Bimetallic Sulfur-Doped Nickel-Cobalt Selenides as Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for the Complete Decomposition of Water.

Abstract

The creation and enhancement of non-precious metal bifunctional catalysts with superior stability and stabilizing activity is necessary to achieve water splitting in alkaline media. The paper presents a method for preparing nickel-cobalt bimetallic selenides (NiCo-Se_x/CF) using a combination of hydrothermal and high-temperature selenization techniques. NiCo-Se_x/CF shows great potential as a catalyst for water separation. The catalyst's electronic structure and active centre can be modified by double doping with sulfur and selenium, resulting in increased selectivity and activity under varying reaction conditions. This method also offers the benefits of a simple preparation process and applicability to a wide range of catalytic reactions. Experimental results demonstrate that an overpotential of 194 mV produces a current density of 10 mA cm^-2 when using this electrocatalyst as an OER catalyst. When used as a HER catalyst, the electrocatalyst required an overpotential of only 76 mV to generate a current density of 10 mA cm^-2.Furthermore, a voltage of 1.5 V can drive the overall decomposition of water to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm^-2. This study highlights the potential of sulfur-selenide double-doped catalysts for both scientific research and practical applications.