Efficient fabrication of NiFe2O4/gCN composite as an excellent electroactive catalyst for HER in alkaline media

Abstract

Nowadays, water splitting is the most well-known sustainable energy source and an essential need. It is now a major initiative to design an effective, high-performing and long-lasting electrocatalyst to increase water-splitting efficiency. A non-toxic, economical and sustainable composite material, NiFe₂O₄/gCN was fabricated via a hydrothermal process to improve water-splitting efficiency. The structural, surface area and morphological properties were analyzed using multiple analytical approaches like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer Emmett Teller's (BET) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A 3-electrode setup in 1.0 M KOH was also employed to determine electrochemical characteristics of NiFe₂O₄/gCN nanocomposite, which showed much low overpotential (η) (−173 mV) at current density (j) (10 mA/cm²). The composite material has higher HER performance with a larger electrochemical surface area of 257.5 cm², a low charge transfer resistance (R_ct) of 1.03 Ω and remarkable durability for 50 h. A substantially lower Tafel value (61 mV/dec) was discovered following closer inspection, indicating that the NiFe₂O₄/gCN nanocomposite had higher electrocatalytic efficiency and faster reaction kinetics. Because of its enormous surface area, the nanohybrid mentioned above (NiFe₂O₄/gCN) holds considerable potential for water electrolysis and other electrochemical reactions. Consequently, the generated nanocomposite appears to be an excellent electroactive catalyst for HER and energy conversion applications.