One-step coating of Ni–Fe alloy outerwear on 1–3-dimensional nanomaterials by a novel technology

Abstract

The methods of synthesizing core–shell materials are numerous and varied. Herein, a simple method is reported for one-step in situ coating of Ni–Fe alloy on one to three (1–3)-dimensional nanomaterials, such as one-dimensional multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), two-dimensional graphene-like MoS₂, and three-dimensional cobalt nanoparticles (Co NPs). The coating method involves the electrodeposition of a composite coating (ECC), hydrogen bubble template (HBT), and burned coating (BC) electrodeposition technology. Meanwhile, the properties of materials are described by a series of characterizations, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), hysteresis loops, and inductively coupled plasma spectra (ICP). All results confirm that this simple method can produce core–shell nanomaterials using 1–3-dimensional nanomaterials as the core and Ni–Fe alloy as the shell, and present good morphologies. Moreover, cyclic voltammogram curves (CV curves) of the Ni–Fe alloy@1–3-dimensional core–shell nanomaterials indicate that different supports lead to the different morphologies and nature of nanomaterials and subsequently lead to various electrocatalytic activities for the hydrazine oxidation. Finally, using three-dimensional Co NPs as an example, the formation mechanism of these core–shell materials is revealed by researching the electrochemistry behaviors of nanoparticles near the cathode throughout the preparation process. This coating method provides broad application for the in situ synthesis of core–shell nanoparticles.