Ni-C-N Nanosheets as Catalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Developing efficient and cost-effective catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for sustainable energy technologies.
• Platinum-based catalysts are highly effective but expensive, driving the search for alternative materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a facile method for preparing novel hybrid nickel-carbon-nitrogen (Ni-C-N) nanosheets.
• To evaluate the catalytic performance of these Ni-C-N nanosheets for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in various electrolytes.

Main Methods:

• A straightforward nitrogenation and exfoliation process was employed to synthesize the hybrid Ni-C-N nanosheets.
• The synthesized nanosheets were characterized for their structural, chemical, and electrical properties.
• Electrocatalytic activity for HER was assessed in acidic (0.5 M H2SO4), alkaline (1.0 M KOH), and neutral (1.0 M PBS, pH 7) conditions.

Main Results:

• The resulting Ni-C-N nanosheets are ultra-thin (<2 nm), chemically stable, and possess metallic conductivity.
• The catalyst demonstrated excellent HER performance in 0.5 M H2SO4, with an onset potential of 34.7 mV and an overpotential of 60.9 mV at 10 mA cm⁻².
• Remarkable long-term stability was observed, with only a ~10% current drop after 70 hours of testing.

Conclusions:

• The facile synthesis offers a scalable route to producing high-performance Ni-C-N nanosheets.
• These hybrid nanosheets represent a promising, non-precious metal alternative for practical hydrogen evolution reactions.
• The demonstrated stability and efficiency highlight their potential in electrochemical energy conversion applications.