A nano-spherical structure Ni3S2/Ni(OH)2 electrocatalyst prepared by one-step fast electrodeposition for efficient and durable water splitting

Developing non-noble metal catalysts with excellent electrocatalytic performance and stability is of great significance to hydrogen production by water electrolysis, but there are still problems of low activity, complex preparation and high cost. Herein, we fabricated a novel Ni3S2/Ni(OH)2 dual-functional electrocatalyst by a one-step fast electrodeposition on nickel foam (NF). While maintaining the electrocatalytic performance of Ni3S2, the existence of heterostructure and Ni(OH)2 co-catalyst function greatly improves the overall water splitting performance of Ni3S2/Ni(OH)2–NF. Hence, It shows a low overpotential of 66 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for HER and 249 mV at 20 mA cm−2 for OER. The dual-functional electrocatalyst needs only 1.58 V at 20 mA cm−2 when assembled two-electrode electrolytic cell. Impressively, the electrocatalyst also shows outstanding catalytic stability for about 800 h when 20 and 50 mA cm−2 constant current was applied, respectively which demonstrates a potential electrocatalyst for overall water splitting.