Efficient MOF- derived V–Ni3S2 nanosheet arrays for electrocatalytic overall water splitting in alkali

Abstract

The synergistic achievement of low-cost earth-abundant electrocatalysts and high efficiency to meet renewable energy need is highly desirable yet challenging. Here, we developed a simple Ni foam self -templating route for V-doped Ni3S2 nanosheet arrays through in situ formation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) combined with subsequent conversion. The as-prepared MOF-V-Ni3S2/NF catalyst delivers outstanding electrocatalytic performance in the alkaline solution, which requires low overpotentials of 118.1 mV @10 mA cm−2 and 268 mV @10 mA cm−2 for hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction, respectively. The V-doping and MOF-derived 3D hieratical nanostructure play a vital role in the catalytic process, which provides efficient active sites and large surface areas. Furthermore, an alkaline electrolyzer was assembled with two pieces of MOF-V-Ni3S2/NF, which achieves efficient water splitting at 1.58 V @10 mA cm−2. This strategy opens up new channels to synthesize MOF-based bifunctional electrocatalysts toward overall water spitting.