Abstract
Herein, one-dimensional (1-D) self-grown nickel sulfide (NiS), and nickel sulfo-selenide (NiSSe) nanostructures on Ni-foam are successfully prepared via a simple and low-cost hydrothermal synthesis route. The S2− and Se2− ions are obtained after decomposition of sulfur and selenium precursors, which on reacting with oxidized Ni2+ ions, from the surface of pristine Ni-foam, produces NiS, and NiSSe superstructures. The crystal phase, surface morphology and chemical states of as-grown electrocatalysts are monitored through various measurment tools. Due to synergistic effects, the NiSSe nanostructured electrode provides a superior over potentials as low as 154 and 75 mV for OERs and HERs activity in electrochemical water splitting measurement. Moreover, the NiSSe electrode exhibits an excellent chemical stability compared to the NiS and NiSe electrodes during the electrolysis process. Such an outstanding catalytic performance makes the NiSSe electrode as a potential candidate in water splitting applications.
•One-dimensional self-grown hydrothermal synthesis on nickel-foam is reported.•The crystal phase, surface morphology and chemical state of electrocatalysts are confirmed.•The NiSSe electrode endows 154 and 75 mV over potentials for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions, respectively.•NiSSe electrode exhibits an excellent chemical stability over NiS.•The as-synthesized electrocatalysts demonstrate promising electrocatalytic performance.