In situ growth of NiSe2 nanoparticles on g-C3N4 nanosheets for an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

A safe, non-precious, and low-cost catalyst, having a high hydrogen evolution rate, is one of the key demands for a sustainable hydrogen economy. In this study, we used a low-cost hydrothermal technique to prepare a NiSe₂ nanoparticle-based catalyst. These particles were grown on 2D g-C₃N₄ nanosheets to improve their physical and chemical properties. The synthesized NiSe₂/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite catalyst demonstrated a high HER performance when compared to bare NiSe₂ and g-C₃N₄. Specifically, the NiSe₂/g-C₃N₄ composite demonstrated a lower Tafel slope of 64 mV dec⁻¹, a stable HER up to 1000 min, and a low overpotential of 87 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻². The superior HER performance of the composite on 2D g-C₃N₄ corresponds to high active sites, and the synergistic interfacial contact leads to enhanced conductivity for rapid charge transport and long chemical stability. Thus, our study offers a pathway for the synthesis and development of non-precious, non-toxic, and highly stable electrocatalysts to replace noble metal-based catalysts and reduce the production costs of H₂ gas.