Constructing Ni4W/WO3/NF with strongly coupled interface for hydrogen evolution in alkaline media

The pursuit of storing renewable electricity in chemical bonds has encouraged the effort toward developing efficient electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen production. However, the additional step of water dissociation under alkaline conditions frequently limits the performance of electrocatalysts in alkaline media. Herein, we synthesize Ni4W/WO3 with a strongly coupled interface on the Ni foam (NF) by phase transition of NiWO4, to enhance the activity for alkaline hydrogen production. It is discovered that the strong binding hydroxyl on WO3 sites facilitates the dissociation of water, which in turn promotes hydrogen evolution through the synergy effect of strong adsorption of H on Ni sites. The adsorption/desorption energy of Ni sites is further tuned by the formation of intermetallic Ni4W. Owing to the three-dimensional structure and tailored composition, the Ni4W/WO3/NF electrocatalyst exhibits a low overpotential of 31 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm(-2), with a Tafel slope of 38 mVdec(-1). This work provides new opportunities to modulate the catalytic performance of Ni-based electrocatalysts by signifying the metal-oxide interface.

Automated summary

In this study, a Ni4W/WO3 electrocatalyst with a strongly coupled interface on the Ni foam was synthesized by phase transition of NiWO4, leading to enhanced activity for alkaline hydrogen production. The strong binding hydroxyl on WO3 sites facilitates water dissociation and promotes hydrogen evolution through the synergy effect of strong adsorption of H on Ni sites.