Reasonable regulation of flexible sulfur-based bifunctional catalytic electrodes for efficient seawater splitting

Abstract

Constructing efficient, inexpensive, and durable catalytic electrodes for seawater hydrogen production is a major challenge. Herein, a flexible bifunctional nickel–sulfur-based catalytic electrode regulated by iron regulation is constructed on corrosion-resistant hydrophobic asbestos (Fe-NiS@HA) via mild electroless plating for efficient seawater splitting. The 3D nano-triangular cone-shaped ultra-thin Fe-NiS is stably grown in situ on the asbestos surface with a large specific surface area and abundant active sites, achieving excellent electron transport ability, efficient catalytic activity and durability at a high current density. Hydrogen evolution (η₁₀ = 53 mV), oxygen evolution (η₁₀ = 190 mV), and overall water splitting (η₁₀ = 1.52 V) are performed in alkaline simulated seawater at 298 K. More importantly, the Fe-NiS@HA electrode is operated at industrial-grade current densities with a durable catalyst for more than 50 hours, with potential industrial-grade electrolysis of seawater splitting.