Revolutionizing water oxidation: NiSe/NiO heterostructure as a high-performing oxygen evolution reaction catalyst

Abstract

The sluggish kinetics of electrolysis of water is the major challenge which hampers the practical dissociation of water in H2 and O2 gas. Electrocatalysts are particularly required to enhance the performance of the water splitting process. In this manuscript, the catalytic performance of nickel selenide/nickel oxide (NiSe/NiO) heterostructure and its counter parts are bestowed for water splitting. The formation of synthesized materials along with phase structure were characterized by the XRD and the SEM was used for surface morphology. Among reported electrocatalysts, NiSe/NiO heterostructure has emerged as the best electrocatalyst for OER. It commences oxygen evolution at 1.34 V with minimum overpotential of 110 mV even at 20 mA/cm2. Chronoamperometry reveals excellent electrochemical stability for the extended period of 21 h for heterostructure electrocatalyst. The kinetic study has recommended NiSe/NiO as an adequate electrocatalyst for OER having Tafel slope of 43.56 mV/dec. These results surpass benchmark precious metal based electrocatalysts as well as electrocatalysts based on Ni. This development dispenses earth abundant, exceedingly efficient and extremely stable, non-precious metal based electrocatalysts for practical electrolysis of water.