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Local Photothermal Effect Enabling Ni3 Bi2 S2 Nanoarray Efficient Water Electrolysis at Large Current Density.
Dongxue Yao1, Weiju Hao1, Shuo Weng1
1University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, P. R. China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|January 28, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel nickel-bismuth-sulfur nanosheet electrode that enhances water electrolysis for hydrogen production. The electrode utilizes a local photothermal effect (LPTE) to significantly boost efficiency and stability for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Large-scale hydrogen production via water electrolysis requires efficient and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts, especially at high current densities.
- Current challenges include achieving high performance and durability under demanding operational conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel hybrid electrode for efficient and stable water electrolysis using a local photothermal effect (LPTE).
- To investigate the catalytic performance of nickel-bismuth-sulfur nanosheet arrays on nickel foam (Ni3Bi2S2@NF) for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of Ni3Bi2S2 nanosheet arrays on nickel foam (Ni3Bi2S2@NF) using a one-pot hydrothermal method.
- Characterization of the electrode material and evaluation of its electrochemical performance for HER and OER under LPTE.
- Theoretical calculations and experimental observations to understand the role of LPTE and material properties.
Main Results:
- The Ni3Bi2S2@NF electrode exhibited significantly improved HER (44%) and OER (35%) efficiencies due to the intrinsic LPTE of bismuth and synergistic effects.
- The electrode demonstrated comparable performance to operation at 80 °C, with an ultralow voltage of 1.40 V at 10 mA cm⁻² for overall water splitting under LPTE.
- Exceptional stability was observed for over 36 hours at high current densities (500-1000 mA cm⁻²), and effective performance was maintained in challenging conditions like low temperatures and various seawater salinities.
Conclusions:
- The developed Ni3Bi2S2@NF electrode effectively leverages LPTE for enhanced bifunctional electrocatalysis in water electrolysis.
- This hybrid electrode offers a promising solution for efficient, stable, and cost-effective hydrogen production, even under harsh environmental conditions.
