Cu2S/NixSy multi-interfaces induced Ni (Ⅲ) for optimizing alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

Regulating the extraordinary metal high valence state to optimize performance of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) presents an intriguing pathway. Herein, we successfully constructed Cu2S/NixSy-n (n represents the ratio of added Cu to Ni) catalysts with high value nickel by introducing Cu into NiS through a simple one-pot method, which exhibited the excellent HER performances. This excellent HER catalytic performance could be attributed to the high valency of Ni induced by the introduction of appropriate amount of Cu for adsorbing hydrogen atoms, which are conducive to the HER process. Meanwhile, the multi-interface structure between Cu2S and NixSy regulated the electronic structure, beneficial to the improvement of HER activity and electrical conductivity. This work puts up a novel route for modifying transition-metal electronic structure by regulating the oxidation states of high valency metals.