María del Pilar Bernicola , Miquel Madrid-Gimeno , Nerea Murillo-Cremaes , Tommaso Battisti , Neus Lozano , Kostas Kostarelos , Jose A. Garrido , Elena del Corro
{"title":"The impact of graphene oxide nanosheet lateral dimensions on the electrochemical performance of nanoporous graphene-based electrodes","authors":"María del Pilar Bernicola , Miquel Madrid-Gimeno , Nerea Murillo-Cremaes , Tommaso Battisti , Neus Lozano , Kostas Kostarelos , Jose A. Garrido , Elena del Corro","doi":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111722","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111722","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Electrodes based on nanoporous reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have been developed as the interfacing component in different designs of neural implants in a variety of therapeutic and monitoring applications. The starting graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets lateral dimensions influenced the staking order, roughness and thickness of the derived rGO films, including the formation of nanochannels. Apart from the morphological differences observed, the GO lateral dimension also impacted on the film conductivity, and on the overall electrochemical performance of the rGO electrodes. While electrodes fabricated from nano-scale GO sheets (us-GO) only showed diffusion-limited impedance in the high frequency regime, the electrical response of electrodes from micron-scale GO sheets (L-GO) was limited by diffusion in the whole frequency range due to a less disordered nanoporous film. At 1 kHz, us-GO electrodes, due to their larger capacitance, presented a higher charge injection limit (<em>Q</em><sub><em>inj.l.</em></sub>) than L-GO electrodes. Due to the higher conductivity of L-GO, electrodes exhibited half the ohmic drop (<em>IR</em>) of electrodes made of us-GO. This work highlights the importance of GO nanosheet engineering to optimize the performance of rGO electrodes in terms of <em>Q</em><sub><em>inj.l.</em></sub> and <em>IR</em>, two key figures of merit in neuroelectronic applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11266,"journal":{"name":"Diamond and Related Materials","volume":"150 ","pages":"Article 111722"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142662989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Himani Bhatia, Sanjay R. Dhakate, Kiran M. Subhedar
{"title":"Enhanced SERS signal in the hybrid substrate through electronic modulation of CVD grown single-layer graphene","authors":"Himani Bhatia, Sanjay R. Dhakate, Kiran M. Subhedar","doi":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111734","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111734","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The ever-growing demand for sensitive and reliable detection of hazardous material in the food chain and trace detection of chemical entities in a variety of field attracted advanced Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) active materials such as graphene-based hybrid SERS. The graphene silver nanostructures (AgNS) based hybrid SERS substrates are explored to understand the critical role of pristine graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on SERS signal and its possible mechanism. A lithography-free fabrication process has been developed for growth of uniform array of AgNS with varying both particle sizes and inter-particle gaps. The optimal AgNS with average feature size ∼40 nm and average inter-particle spacing of ∼13 nm demonstrated the maximum SERS enhancement with rhodamine 6G (R6G). The single-layer graphene (SLG) grown by CVD with the aid of controlling the reaction geometry with growth under a free molecular regime leads to the highest quality graphene with I<sub>2D</sub>/I<sub>G</sub> ratio of ∼3.58 and I<sub>D</sub>/I<sub>G</sub> ratio of ∼0.154. The flow regime-controlled CVD-grown SLG integrated with AgNS and its SERS enhancement mechanism is explored for trace detection of R6G. The graphene with its ability to modulate the electronic structure and tune it relative to the highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) levels of R6G molecules resulted in improved SERS signal by about an order for graphene-AgNS hybrid structure as compared to bare AgNS. The obtained findings paved the way for the futuristic and reliable hybrid SERS substrate for trace-level detection of a wide range of chemical entities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11266,"journal":{"name":"Diamond and Related Materials","volume":"150 ","pages":"Article 111734"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142663050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of surface-active substances on the macrodispersion behavior of thermal stress-modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes in cryogenic environments","authors":"Aykut YİRMİBEŞOĞLU , Nihan KAYA , Filiz BORAN","doi":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111739","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111739","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the preparation of nanocomposites, the agglomeration of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the composite due to their low colloidal stability limits their use in industrial areas. To overcome these problems, it is important to develop simpler, economical, high-yield and non-hazardous techniques to replace existing techniques with low yields, expensive additional equipment or hazardous liquids. This study explores how surfactants affect the macrodispersion of thermal stress-modified MWCNTs in cryogenic environments, focusing on their application in polymer film preparation. Firstly, optimal conditions for modifying MWCNTs through thermal stress were identified using liquid nitrogen. Parameters assessed included the number of cycles (2, 4, and 6), duration in liquid nitrogen (10, 20, and 30 min), and subsequent waiting time at room temperature (5, 12, and 20 min). Results showed that the highest surface area was obtained with 2 cycles, 20 min in liquid nitrogen, and 5 min at room temperature. Analytical techniques such as Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), High Contrast Transmission Electron Microscopy (CTEM) and Raman spectroscopy were used to evaluate the functionalization process's effects on MWCNTs' internal graphitic structure and physicochemical properties. CTEM micrographs indicated that thermal stress reduced the length of MWCNTs, while Raman analysis showed improved graphite quality. The modification process, carried out with 100 % efficiency and no sample loss, increased the BET surface area from 297.551 m<sup>2</sup>/g to 397.295 m<sup>2</sup>/g. The study also investigated the impact of surfactants (polyethylene glycol sorbitan monooleate-Tween 80, sodium dodecyl sulfate-SDS, and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide-CTAB) on MWCNTs' macrodispersion degrees (DM%) and energy band gaps via UV–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy. CTAB provided the highest and most stable macrodispersion, reducing the energy band gaps of MWCNTs from 5.65–5.75 eV to 3.53–3.60 eV. CTAB showed excellent colloidal stability with a zeta potential of 44.2 mV, while SDS had −49.9 mV. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer films, created using MWCNT solutions with optimal macrodispersion, were confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimeters (DSC), and BET surface area analyses to have successfully and homogeneously incorporated MWCNTs. In addition to the superior properties of MWCNTs modified with the functionalization technique developed within the scope of this study by increasing their specific surface area and porosity, the excellent colloidal stability provided may have various effects in many industrial areas. These advantages enable MWCNTs functionalized with the developed technique to have a wider range of applications in industrial applications and provide more efficient and sustainable solutions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11266,"journal":{"name":"Diamond and Related Materials","volume":"150 ","pages":"Article 111739"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142662981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jahanzaib Mughal , Hussain Ahmad , Ammar Tariq , Muhammad Mitee Ullah , Umar Draz , Shahid M. Ramay , Shahid Atiq
{"title":"Co3O4/rGO based nanocomposite architectures as electrodes for advanced energy storage and their pseudocapacitive attributes","authors":"Jahanzaib Mughal , Hussain Ahmad , Ammar Tariq , Muhammad Mitee Ullah , Umar Draz , Shahid M. Ramay , Shahid Atiq","doi":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111736","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111736","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In response to escalating global challenges in energy storage, this study embarked on captivating exploration of electrochemically proficient Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> composites, seamlessly integrated with varying concentrations of reduced graphene oxide (5 %, 10 %, and 15 %). Using a single-step hydrothermal method, Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> was synthesized, followed by a solvothermal process to produce Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/rGO composites. These composites were then applied to Nickel Foam to fabricate electrodes. The structural properties of these novel Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/rGO/NF electrodes were analyzed using X-ray Diffractometer, which confirmed the distinctive crystalline structure of Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> and indicated no phase transformation after the introduction of rGO. Morphological analysis through a Field Emission Electron Microscope and Transmission Electron Microscope revealed layered structures and increasing porosity correlated with higher rGO concentrations. Electrochemical performance was rigorously tested through cyclic voltammetry, which verified the pseudocapacitive attributes of the samples. Additionally, galvanostatic charge-discharge studies highlighted that the electrode containing 15 % rGO demonstrated highest (C<sub><em>s</em></sub> = 1360 Fg<sup>−1</sup>) at 1.7 Ag<sup>−1</sup>, with 86 % of cyclic retention after 5000 cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy further demonstrated superior conductivity, underscoring the potential of these electrodes'for supercapacitor applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11266,"journal":{"name":"Diamond and Related Materials","volume":"150 ","pages":"Article 111736"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142663110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"One-pot synthesis of graphene nanosheets‑nickel cobalt LDHs nanocomposite for electrocatalysis of oxygen evolution reaction","authors":"Masoud Moradi , Shahram Ghasemi , Farimah Mousavi","doi":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111738","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111738","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is known as a bottleneck for the overall water-splitting process due to its slow kinetics. In this regard, constructing a high-performance, cost-effective electrode material may act as a game changer. Here, a 2D/2D nanocomposite has prepared out of graphene nanosheets and nickel‑cobalt layered double hydroxide (NiCo LDH) by a simple solvothermal method. The 2D flower-like structures of NiCo LDH attached to graphene nanosheets have observed in field-emission scanning (FE-SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy images. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns have revealed the formation of Ni(OH)<sub>2</sub> and Co(OH)<sub>2</sub> lattices along with hexagonal graphene crystals. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) has noted the 2.2:1 ratio of nickel to cobalt in the graphene/NiCo LDH nanocomposite. X-ray elemental maps have shown the uniform distribution of elements in the sample, and the corresponding functional groups have observed in the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectra. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has determined the coexistence of divalent and trivalent metals in the nanocomposite. The N<sub>2</sub> adsorption-desorption study has shown signs of slit-shaped ion-accessible micro and mesopores with high specific surface area for the nanocomposite. It has benefited the ion diffusion process during the exposure of the modified electrode to the electrolyte. The graphene/NiCo LDH nanocomposite has provided the onset potential of 1.56 V, overpotential of 338 mV at 10 mA cm<sup>−2</sup>, Tafel slope of 69 mV dec<sup>−1</sup>, charge-transfer resistance (R<sub>ct</sub>) of 27 Ω, double layer capacitance (C<sub>dl</sub>) of 24 μF, electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of 0.6 cm<sup>2</sup>, and roughness factor (RF) of 20. The electrode has maintained 98.3 % of its initial signal after 10 h continuous measurement at OER potential. This electrocatalytic activity refers to the sheet-like morphology, effective hydroxide ion transfer through interlayer spaces, enhanced conductivity, and high chemical stability achieved by a constructive synergy between graphene nanosheets and NiCo LDH.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11266,"journal":{"name":"Diamond and Related Materials","volume":"150 ","pages":"Article 111738"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142662980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
YuXuan Xiong , Dandan Luo , Guowen He , Saiwen Liu , Jin Zhang , Chao Chen
{"title":"Fabrication of β-CD/SiO2@rGO/MXenes composite materials with three-dimensional structures for sensitive detection of baicalin in Chinese medicine","authors":"YuXuan Xiong , Dandan Luo , Guowen He , Saiwen Liu , Jin Zhang , Chao Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111735","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111735","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Baicalin is a principal component of traditional Chinese medicine and plays a crucial role in treating conditions such as arthritis, respiratory tract infections, chronic and acute hepatitis, and tumors. Graphene oxide is bonded to silicon dioxide (SiO<sub>2</sub>) through covalent bonds or hydrogen bonds and then reduced to SiO<sub>2</sub>@rGO through hydrazine hydrate to solve the problem of easy accumulation of SiO<sub>2</sub> and improve the conductivity of the material. Next, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) self-assembles on SiO<sub>2</sub>@rGO to form a stable inclusion complex. The hydrophobic inner cavity of β-CD can effectively accommodate various guest molecules to form inclusion complexes, enhancing molecular recognition and detection capabilities. Finally, β-CD/SiO<sub>2</sub>@rGO is bridged and surface-loaded between clay-like Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> (MXenes) nanosheets through electrostatic interactions to form a stable three-dimensional composite material. It is precisely because of MXenes, due to their unique layered microstructure, excellent conductivity, and extensive hydrophilic surface area, that they are conducive to self-assembly or embedding nanoparticles in aqueous solution. The composite was characterized via X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Under optimized conditions, the electrochemical sensor constructed from this composite exhibited a broad detection range (0.008–10 μM) and a low detection limit (0.191 nM) for baicalin. In comparison to existing methods for detecting baicalin, this approach demonstrates strong anti-interference capabilities and stability. It can efficiently, sensitively, and accurately quantify baicalin in Chinese patent medicine samples, including Scutellaria baicalensis root, Shuanghuanglian oral liquid, and Bear Bile Scutellaria baicalensis eye drops, achieving a satisfactory recovery rate. This study introduces a novel approach for the electrochemical detection of baicalin.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11266,"journal":{"name":"Diamond and Related Materials","volume":"150 ","pages":"Article 111735"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142593139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Outside Front Cover - Journal name, Cover image, Volume issue details, ISSN, Cover Date, Elsevier Logo and Society Logo if required","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S0925-9635(24)00919-1","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S0925-9635(24)00919-1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11266,"journal":{"name":"Diamond and Related Materials","volume":"149 ","pages":"Article 111706"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bamboo waste derived hard carbon as high performance anode for sodium-ion batteries","authors":"Tengteng Gao, Youhang Zhou, Yizhi Jiang, Zhao Xue, Yanhuai Ding","doi":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111737","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111737","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biomass-derived hard carbon stands out as one of the most promising anode materials for advancing the commercial viability of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). In this study, we harnessed a straightforward and eco-friendly two-step carbonization approach to fabricate high-performance hard carbon materials, ingeniously repurposing industrial bamboo waste. Concurrently, we delved into the impact of carbonization temperature on the microstructure and properties of the hard carbon derived from bamboo waste. The findings revealed that the as-prepared hard carbon at 1400 °C (HCB-1400) showcased the most desirable sodium-ion storage capabilities. The HCB-1400 material not only can deliver a substantial reversible capacity of 328.4 mAh g<sup>−1</sup> at 30 mA g<sup>−1</sup> in its maiden charge-discharge cycle but also display remarkable cycling stability. Moreover, the HCB-1400//Na<sub>3</sub>V<sub>2</sub>(PO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>3</sub> full cell, when assembled, exhibited an impressive energy density of 249.25 Wh kg<sup>−1</sup>, with a capacity retention rate of 93 % after enduring 200 cycles at a current density of 1.0 C. This research underscores the potential of transforming biomass waste into high-performance hard carbon, heralding a sustainable path for SIB applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11266,"journal":{"name":"Diamond and Related Materials","volume":"150 ","pages":"Article 111737"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142586424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seoyeong Cheon , Seongjae Myeong , In Woo Lee , Sei-Hyun Lee , Young-Seak Lee
{"title":"A facile one-pot synthesis of hierarchical porous carbon for supercapacitor electrodes","authors":"Seoyeong Cheon , Seongjae Myeong , In Woo Lee , Sei-Hyun Lee , Young-Seak Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111728","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111728","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a facile, environmentally friendly approach to fabricate hierarchical porous carbon for supercapacitor electrodes. The one-pot synthesis of PFO/silica/PTFE via co-pyrolysis generates ideal hierarchical porous carbon. Compared with traditional methods, this method eliminates toxic solvents and complex cleaning steps. PPC-2 obtained under the optimized activation time has the highest specific surface area (2657 m<sup>2</sup> g<sup>−1</sup>) and a remarkable total pore volume (2.96 cm<sup>3</sup> g<sup>−1</sup>). These properties result in a remarkable specific capacitance of 335.9–210.8 F g<sup>−1</sup> at current densities of 0.5–10 A g<sup>−1</sup> in KOH electrolyte. The electrochemical performance of the PPC-2 electrode in a symmetric supercapacitor device was measured in aqueous (6 M KOH) and ionic liquid (EMIM-TFSI) electrolytes. In EMIM-TFSI, PPC-2//PPC-2 provides an energy density of 48.5 Wh/kg even at a power density of 750 W kg<sup>−1</sup>. This facile one-pot synthesis method offers a sustainable and scalable approach to produce high-performance hierarchical porous carbon for supercapacitor applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11266,"journal":{"name":"Diamond and Related Materials","volume":"150 ","pages":"Article 111728"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142578391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Siyue Zhang , Lin Zhu , Zheng Ai , Baoli Wang , Ahmad Mansoor , Yan Zhang , Wei Sun
{"title":"Application of ZrO2 and Ni modified carbon nanotube composites as bifunctional water electrolysis catalysts","authors":"Siyue Zhang , Lin Zhu , Zheng Ai , Baoli Wang , Ahmad Mansoor , Yan Zhang , Wei Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111731","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111731","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>By using carbon nanotube (CNT) as the carrier, Ni as the active center and ZrO<sub>2</sub> as the modifier, an efficient electrocatalytic material (ZrO<sub>2</sub>-Ni/CNT) is designed and synthesized in this paper. The structure and properties of the catalyst are characterized by various instrumental analysis methods such as SEM, TEM, XRD and XPS. The electrochemical test results show that the addition of ZrO<sub>2</sub> can significantly improve the catalytic performance of this catalyst in the electrochemical water splitting. In an alkaline solution, ZrO<sub>2</sub>-Ni/CNT catalyst displays an exceedingly low overpotential of 169 mV and 249 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm<sup>−2</sup> towards hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction, respectively. This work shows that the modification of ZrO<sub>2</sub> can improve the electrocatalytic activity of Ni-based materials, and the modification strategy can be applied to improve the electrocatalytic activity of commercial Ni-based electrode materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11266,"journal":{"name":"Diamond and Related Materials","volume":"150 ","pages":"Article 111731"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142586427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}