A novel graphene based NiSe2 nanocrystalline array for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

In the face of low electrolytic water splitting catalytic activity, the development of efficiency and stable electrolytic catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction is critical necessary. Moreover, the rather high price with insufficient supply of noble mental namely platinum and palladium has become the obstacle of their large-scale applications.

A research group of Lixu Lei from Southeast University and Fajun Li from Suzhou University just reported a novel graphene based NiSe₂ nanocrystalline array prepared through a two-step microwave and subsequent selenization treatment. They found their unique structural advantages —— the ultrafine uniform dispersion of NiSe₂ nanocrystallines in the reduced graphite oxide as substrate has an additional synergistic effect on promoting the conductivity and stability. The results were published in Frontiers in Energy on June 20.

Nickel selenide electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction with high efficiency and low-cost, has favorable potential future application prospect. Nevertheless, the high overpotential and poor stability limited their practical applications. Carbon materials including graphene, carbon nanotubes etc. possess extraordinary thermal stability and electric conductivity, can be ideal protective skeleton structures of electrocatalysts. By combining the NiSe₂ nanoparticles with graphene sheet in an in-situ growth manner assisted with microwave irradiation, the electrocatalytic performance of hydrogen evolution reaction was optimized remarkably in this work.

The electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction of the composite proven can reach up to 158 mV overpotential at 10 mA/cm² and has an extremely stable performance in the 100 h H₂ production test. These results provide a useful idea for the development of newly high efficiency electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction.

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About Frontiers in Energy

Frontiers in Energy, a peer-reviewed international journal launched in January 2007, presents a unique platform for reporting the most advanced research and strategic thinking on energy technology. The Journal publishes review and mini-review articles, original research articles, perspective, news & highlights, viewpoints, comments, etc. by individual researchers and research groups. The journal is strictly peer-reviewed and accepts only original submissions in English. The scope of the Journal covers (but not limited to): energy conversion and utilization; renewable energy; energy storage; hydrogen and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilization and storage; advanced nuclear technology; smart grids and microgrids; power and energy systems; power cells and electric vehicles; building energy conservation, energy and environment; energy economy and policy, etc. Interdisciplinary papers are encouraged.