Multi-interface engineering of NiS/Ni3S2/Fe3O4 nanoarchitectures for use as high-efficiency electrocatalysts toward the oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

Exploiting Earth-abundant and high-efficiency electrocatalysts is extremely desired to minimize the overpotential of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we present the rational design and controllable fabrication of multi-interfacial NiS/Ni₃S₂/Fe₃O₄ (NP–(Fe,Ni)–S) nanoarchitectures through chemical dealloying and a hydrothermal approach. Benefitting from the abundant heterogeneous interfaces, distinctive porous structure and large electrochemically active surface area, the optimized NP–(Fe,Ni)–S nanoarchitectures exhibit a unique oxygen evolution reaction performance with low overpotentials of 274 and 304 mV at current densities of 100 and 250 mA cm⁻². Moreover, remarkable durability for at least 40 h without fluctuation was observed in the time-dependent current density curve. Density functional theory calculations further confirmed that the interfaces between Ni₃S₂ and Fe₃O₄ phases in the NP–(Fe,Ni)–S nanoarchitectures play a crucial role in the exceptional OER activity. This study may encourage the design of novel electrocatalysts via constructing hybrid compound interfaces.