Nickel Nanocrystal Assemblies as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution from pH‐Neutral Aqueous Solution

Abstract

AbstractEarth‐abundant elements based efficient and stable electrocatalyst for hydrogen generation from pH‐neutral aqueous solutions is highly desired, but still a momentous task. Herein, we report a nickel nanocrystal assembled nanoparticles (Ni−SP) synthesis through a simple solution phase ultrasonic‐assisted chemical reduction method. The addition of tungsten (W) metal as a non‐3d high valency element and non‐metals (B and P) as low valency element could modulate the hydrogen adsorption energy for efficient catalysis of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). For HER in pH‐neutral buffer solution, the Ni−SP needs 38 and 214 mV overpotential to drive 10 and 100 mA cm−2 current densities, respectively. Moreover, the catalytic activity of Ni−SP remains unaffected after 10 h of hydrogen production at 100 mA cm−2 current density, presenting superior stability and activity as compared to Pt/C.