Synthesis of tris(ethylenediamine) nickel(II) thiosulfate [Ni(en)3S2O3] for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

A novel kind of nickel compound tris(ethylenediamine) nickel(II) thiosulfate Ni(en)3S2O3 (???en??? stands for eth-ylenediamine, C2H8N2) for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was reported. The Ni(en)3S2O3 crystal can be synthesized via easy complexation-precipitation reaction of Ni2+ complexing ethylenediamine followed by blending thiosulfate, which has the advantages of easy preparation and low cost. The as obtained compounds display high intrinsic catalytic activity with an overpotential of 211 mV at 10 mA/cm2 and Tafel slope value of 133.1 mV/dec in 1 M KOH. The rational design of Ni(en)3S2O3 may blaze a new trail for con-structing industrial nickel-based electrocatalysts with excellent HER activity.

Automated summary

A novel nickel compound Ni(en)3S2O3 for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was reported. It can be easily synthesized with low cost and exhibits high intrinsic catalytic activity, showing potential for industrial applications.