MOF-derived NiSe2 nanoparticles grown on carbon fiber as a binder-free and efficient catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

It is challenging to grow inexpensive cathode material with superior catalytic properties for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as powerful platforms to synthesize efficient and ultrastable catalysts for hydrogen production. In this research, NiSe 2 nanoparticles were derived from Ni-based MOF, which grown in situ on carbon fiber (NiSe 2 /C/CF) through pyrolysis and selenization processes. NiSe 2 /C/CF displays a higher HER performance than that of Ni/C/CF and Ni-MOF-74/CF. Notably, the NiSe 2 /C/CF electrode gives a low overpotential of 209 mV, a Tafel slope of 74.1 mV/dec, and outstanding stability with slight decay after operating for 12 h. The high HER catalytic activity of NiSe 2 /C/CF is mainly ascribed to the emerging effects of NiSe 2 nanoparticles and three-dimensional conductive substrate CF, facilitating active moieties exposure and electron transfer during the electrocatalytic process. Therefore, this work illustrates a novel approach for the preparation of transition metal chalcogenides as low-cost and stable catalysts for HER. • Approach for the preparation of low-cost and stable catalysts for HER was introduced. • Binder-free catalyst for HER based on MOF-derived NiSe 2 /C/CF was constructed. • NiSe 2 /C/CF gives a low overpotential of 209 mV, a Tafel slope of 74.1 mV/dec. • NiSe 2 /C/CF catalyst exhibits excellent stability under working condition.