Ru-Doped Pyramidal Bimetallic NiCo Sulphide Nanostructures as an Electrocatalyst for H₂ Generation Through Urea...

Imperfect overpotential and inadequate reaction dynamics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are the main factors limiting the efficient synthesis of H₂ by water electrolysis. One intriguing method for replacing slow OER and coupling with cathodic hydrogen is the thermodynamically advantageous urea oxidation reaction (UOR) production because of its equilibrium potential, which is less (0.37 V) than OER (1.23 V). And, for effective hydrogen generation, earth-abundant, inexpensive bifunctional electrocatalysts must be used in place of noble-metal-based electrocatalysts. Herein, in situ growth of Ru-doped bimetallic sulphide (RCNS@nickel foam (NF)) on NF was synthesised using the hydrothermal method followed by a calcination procedure. According to experimental findings, the as-prepared RCNS@NF electrode exhibits exceptional catalytic performance due to its pyramid nanostructure, crystalline nature, and synergistic impact. It only demands 1.43 V and 16 mV versus reversible hydrogen electrode for UOR and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) to attain ±20 and ±10 mA cm^-2. However, to drive 10 mA cm^-2, a two-electrode cell system needs only 1.35 V potential, and it exhibits robust durability for 20 h of continuous testing @10 mA cm^-2 without any discernible activity diminution. Therefore, the present work suggests an approach for creating an extremely effective dual-functional catalyst for UOR and HER.