Hydrogen production via highly efficient electrocatalyst based on 3D NixCo1-x(OH)2/NiFe-AM induce overall water splitting

The main factors limiting water splitting producing hydrogen production are overpotential, activity and persistence of electrocatalysts. Herein, a novel Ni_xCo_1-x(OH)₂ coupled with NiFe amorphous compound array growing on nickel foam substrate (expressed as Ni_xCo_1-x(OH)₂/NiFe-AM) was developed by facile hydrothermal and electrodeposition methods. Significantly, Ni_xCo_1-x(OH)₂/NiFe-AM with this unique structural exhibits superior activity and stability in the two half reactions of water electrolysis. In addition, when tested in an alkaline electrolyte with a current density of 10 mA cm⁻², the overpotentials of HER and OER was 157 mV and 196 mV (60 mA cm⁻²), respectively. The stability can up to 60 h. These test results show through constructing hierarchical nano-thron architecture enhanced electrocatalytic activity to produce hydrogen and oxygen.