Hollow nickel selenide nanospheres coated in carbon as water oxygen electrocatalysts

Electrochemical water splitting, which converts directly electrical energy into chemical energy, has attracted extensive attention worldwide as a crucial strategy of energy storage and conversion. In theory, oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a vital factor in controlling water splitting efficiency due to its sluggish kinetics. Accordingly, a facile solvothermal approach was utilized to synthesize hollow Ni0.85Se porous materials embedded by carbon materials (Ni0.85Se/C), serving as catalysts of OER. In contrast to the unsupported Ni0.85Se and RuO2, the obtained Ni0.85Se/C catalyst has better electrochemical performances owing to the addition of carbon and the presence of hollow structure. In addition, the decent durability of Ni0.85Se/C provides the possibility for the practical use.

Automated summary

Electrochemical water splitting is a crucial strategy for energy storage and conversion, with oxygen evolution reaction (OER) being a vital factor in controlling efficiency. The Ni0.85Se/C catalyst synthesized through a solvothermal approach shows better electrochemical performance and durability compared to unsupported Ni0.85Se and RuO2.