Constructing Ni-VN interfaces with superior electrocatalytic activity for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Promotional effects of inert nitrides for metal catalysts in electrolysis are underreported.
• Developing efficient and durable electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for clean energy technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of inert nitrides in enhancing metal catalysts for HER.
• To develop and characterize a novel Ni-VN/NF composite for efficient hydrogen evolution.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Ni-VN/NF composite via nitriding treatment of NiV-layered double hydroxides (NiV-LDH) precursor on nickel foam.
• Electrocatalytic performance testing for HER, including overpotential and durability measurements.
• Experimental and Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis to elucidate electronic structure and interfacial charge density.

Main Results:

• The optimal Ni-VN/NF composite demonstrated outstanding HER electrocatalytic performance with a low overpotential of 39 mV at 10 mA cm⁻².
• The catalyst exhibited excellent durability, maintaining performance for 100 hours without degradation.
• DFT and experimental results confirmed modulated electronic structure and charge density at the Ni-VN hetero-interface due to electron transfer from Ni to V-N bonds.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the significant promotional effects of inert nitrides, specifically V-N bonds, in metal catalysts for HER.
• Optimized electronic structure and interfacial interactions are key to achieving high catalytic activity and stability.
• The findings establish a design principle for advanced HER catalysts based on strong metal-nitride interactions.