One-step electrodeposited NiFeMo hybrid film for efficient hydrogen production via urea electrolysis and water splitting

Urea electrolysis as a promising approach to highly effective and energy-saving hydrogen production, is gaining increasing attention to cope with the global energy crisis and environmental issues. In this study, we report a NiFeMo hybrid film acting as cathode and anode materials in an electrolytic cell for urea electrolysis to hydrogen generation and purification of wastewater containing urea. The NiFeMo prepared by simple one-step electrodeposition exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performances for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and urea oxidation reaction (UOR). Meanwhile, the excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of NiFeMo can ensure the smooth progress of hydrogen production in the wastewater of varying urea concentration. The results show that Mo dopant has significant effects on HER performance of the NiFeMo. The excellent OER and UOR performance of the NiFeMo is derived from synergism of these three metals and the formation of active intermediates. This work provides a facile method to synthesize low-cost and high-performance electrocatalysts for urea electrolysis and water splitting, which may open up new opportunities for hydrogen production.

Automated summary

In this study, a NiFeMo hybrid film was prepared by simple one-step electrodeposition, showing excellent electrocatalytic performances for hydrogen evolution and urea oxidation. The Mo dopant significantly affects the HER performance of NiFeMo, and the excellent OER and UOR performance is derived from the synergism of these three metals and the formation of active intermediates. This work provides a facile method to synthesize low-cost and high-performance electrocatalysts for urea electrolysis and water splitting, which may open up new opportunities for hydrogen production.