La doping greatly enhances electrochemical alkaline seawater oxidation over Ni(OH)2 nanosheet

Abstract

The utilization of seawater electrolysis is recognized as a promising method for generating H₂ as a substitute for conventional technology. Nevertheless, it is impeded by anode catalysts with restricted lifespans, primarily due to chloride-induced competitive chemical reactions. This study reports an La-doped Ni(OH)₂ nanosheet supported on Ni foam (La–Ni(OH)₂/NF) as an outstanding oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst, which demonstrates remarkable performance in alkaline seawater. Impressively, the achievement of a high current density (500 mA cm⁻²) requires a low overpotential of only 434 mV, surpassing that of Ni(OH)₂/NF (532 mV). In addition, La–Ni(OH)₂/NF exhibits outstanding electrochemical stability for the duration of more than 200 h in alkaline seawater.