Modulating Electronic Structure by Etching Strategy to Construct NiSe₂ /Ni_0.85 Se Heterostructure for Urea-Assisted...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Developing efficient electrocatalysts for water electrolysis is crucial for sustainable energy solutions.
• Heterostructure electrocatalysts offer unique properties for enhanced catalytic activity.
• Constructing novel heterostructures with controlled interfaces remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel NiSe2/Ni0.85Se heterostructure electrocatalyst using an etching strategy.
• To investigate the electronic interactions and charge transfer at the heterointerfaces.
• To evaluate the electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and its application in urea-assisted processes.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of NiSe2/Ni0.85Se heterostructure via creative etching treatment.
• Characterization of material properties and electronic interactions.
• Electrocatalytic performance testing for HER and OER in water electrolysis.
• Theoretical calculations to understand interfacial effects on adsorption energies.
• Evaluation of electrocatalyst in urea-assisted hydrogen production and pollutant degradation.

Main Results:

• Successfully constructed NiSe2/Ni0.85Se heterostructure with strong electronic interactions at interfaces.
• Demonstrated efficient electron transfer from NiSe2 to Ni0.85Se, tuning their charge states.
• Achieved superior electrocatalytic activities for both HER and OER.
• Theoretical calculations confirmed optimized electronic structure and adsorption energies at heterointerfaces.
• Showcased brilliant performance in energy-saving hydrogen production and pollutant degradation using urea.

Conclusions:

• The NiSe2/Ni0.85Se heterostructure is a highly effective electrocatalyst for water electrolysis.
• The interfacial electronic interactions are key to enhancing HER and OER performance.
• The developed material presents a promising strategy for efficient hydrogen production and environmental remediation.