Ni(II)-Dimeric Complex-Derived Nitrogen-Doped Graphitized Carbon-Encapsulated Nickel Nanoparticles: Efficient Trifunctional Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction, Oxygen Evolution Reaction, and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

The successful commercialization of fuel cells and electrolyzer is limited to the cost and instability issues associated with electrocatalysts (platinum/platinum-based catalysts) used. Hence, there is critical challenge to develop stable, non-platinum-based catalysts with multifunctionality and better durability that can efficiently replace platinum. While a sufficient number of bifunctional catalysts are now known in the literature, development of trifunctional catalyst is rarely reported. Herein, we report the development of nitrogen-doped graphitized carbon-encapsulated Ni nanoparticles-based catalyst (Ni-NC700) from an easy derivable Ni(II)-dimeric complex. Microstructural studies reveal that the catalyst annealed at 700 °C has 4–5 layers of graphene sheets forming a shell surrounding the Ni nanoparticles. This catalyst exhibits outstanding trifunctional catalytic performance with onset potential of 0.86, 1.52, and −0.02 V (vs RHE) for oxygen reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, and hydrogen...