Boron-modulated surface of hollow nickel framework for improved hydrogen evolution

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Nickel-based electrodes are crucial for hydrogen evolution reactions.
• Developing binder-free and support-free electrodes is key for efficiency.
• Utilizing both exterior and interior active sites can improve catalytic performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and prepare a hollow nickel framework (HNF) electrode.
• To introduce efficient nickel-boron (Ni-B) active sites onto the HNF.
• To investigate the enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hollow nickel framework (HNF).
• In situ introduction of nickel-boron (Ni-B) active sites onto the HNF.
• Electrochemical characterization of the HER performance.

Main Results:

• The HNF electrode effectively utilizes both exterior and interior surface active sites.
• The introduction of Ni-B active sites significantly boosts catalytic efficiency.
• Micro/nano structure engineering and boron modulation lead to synergistic enhancement.

Conclusions:

• The designed HNF with Ni-B sites demonstrates superior HER catalytic activity.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for advanced electrocatalyst development.
• The study highlights the benefits of structural and compositional engineering for HER.