An efficient WS2/Ni3S2 monolithic electrode for the hydrogen evolution reaction at industrial current densities

Abstract

Electrolysis of water for hydrogen production has become a research hotspot under the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. However, it still faces low catalyst activity, and poor stability at industrial current densities. The development of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts which can operate stably at industrial current densities is key to the practical application of hydrogen production by water splitting. Herein, an efficient WS₂ and Ni₃S₂ bimetallic sulfide monolithic electrode is constructed for hydrogen production from water electrolysis. At a current density of 1000 mA cm⁻², the overpotential of the hydrogen evolution reaction is 350 mV vs. RHE in 1 M KOH solution at 25 °C. Moreover, under industrial conditions (6 M KOH, 85 °C), the catalyst can drive the overall water splitting (OWS) at a current density of 1000 mA cm⁻² stably for over 220 h with only 1.81 V cell voltage when directly used as the anode and cathode, showing great potential for use in industrial alkaline water electrolysis.