Rhodium Nanoparticle-Supported Graphitic Carbon-Encapsulated Nickel Metal Core Electrocatalyst via Pulsed Laser Ablation for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic media exhibits high reaction rates but is often hindered by stability challenges under corrosive conditions. In this study, we introduce a novel approach to synthesizing nickel nanoparticles encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon layers decorated with noble metals (Ir and Rh), with the aim of improving catalytic activity, durability, and conductivity for HER applications. Using a two-step pulsed laser ablation and irradiation process, this environmentally friendly synthesis facilitates the rapid production of Rh- and Ir-decorated Ni@GC composites with robust metal-support interactions. The resulting catalysts exhibit outstanding HER performance in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ acidic electrolyte, achieving a current density of 46 mV at 10 mA cm^-2 with a low Tafel slope of 36 mV dec^-1. The optimized Rh-Ni@GC electrocatalyst showed long stability results over 24 h using a chronoamperometry test. This work demonstrates a sustainable and effective method for developing high-performance electrocatalysts for hydrogen production.