Controlled synthesis and high performance of Zn–Ni–Co–M (M = O, S, P and Se) nanoneedle arrays as an advanced electrode for overall water splitting

Abstract

Exploring and designing multicomponent transition-metal sulfides, phosphides and selenides has been identified as an fascinating approach to promote the water splitting performance of single-component transition-metal sulfides, phosphides and selenides. However, this is rarely reported about water splitting applications of quaternary sulfides, phosphides and selenides. In this work, the Zn–Ni–Co–M (M = O, S, P and Se) nanoneedle arrays was in situ grown on nickel foam (Zn–Ni–Co–M/NF) for the first time by typical hydrothermal, sulfurization, phosphorization, and selenylation methods. In a typical three-electrode device, a small overpotential of 190 mV is obtained at 50 mA cm−2 for water oxidation reaction utilizing the new Zn–Ni–Co–S/NF as anodic material. Moreover, a small overpotential of 94 mV was required at 10 mA cm−2 for water reduction reaction when the new Zn–Ni–Co–P/NF sample is utilized as cathode material. The assembled electrolytic cell with Zn–Ni–Co–S/NF as the positive electrode and Zn–Ni–Co–P/NF as the negative material displays a superior electrocatalytic activity (1.52 V@10 mA cm−2) and a relatively surprising durability. The accessible and novel strategy for Zn–Ni–Co–M (M = O, S, P and Se) preparation provide a new view to develop new overall water splitting electrocatalyst with a superior activity and durability.