Metal–organic framework derived NiSe2/CeO2 nanocomposite as a high-performance electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER)

Abstract

The development of efficient and cost-effective catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction is highly desirable for applications that are based on sustainable and clean technologies. In this study, we report the synthesis of a series of cerium(IV) oxide and nickel diselenide nanocomposites (NiSe₂/CeO₂) as efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction in an alkaline medium. The ratios of the two substances were optimized to reach the highest catalytic activity. The structure and morphology of synthesized materials were investigated by XRD, FE-SEM, EDX, BET, XPS, and TEM techniques. It was observed that the nanocomposite with a 10 : 1 mass ratio of NiSe₂ to CeO₂ showed the best electrocatalytic performance, with a measured overpotential of 250 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² and a Tafel slope of 66 mV dec⁻¹. In addition, this nanocomposite exhibited an excellent long-term electrochemical stability for 7 h. These results are comparable to some of the best electrocatalysts known to date for electrochemical oxidation of water.