In Situ Ni-Doped Co3O4 Nanostructure: An Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution

The paper represents an environmentally strong facile one-pot wet chemical synthesis for the production of nickel (Ni) doped cobalt oxide (Co3O4) at different weight% (1, 3, 5, 7 and 10%) of Ni that demonstrates efficient electrocatalysis towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), in 1M KOH solution. The Ni doped Co3O4 were synthesized using cobalt nitrate hexahydrate {Co(NO3)2.6H2O}, nickel nitrate hexahydrate {Ni(NO3)2.6H2O}and citric acid {C6H8O7}, among which 7% Ni-doped Co3O4 proved to be an optimal HER catalysis. Nickel foam electrode drop cast with Ni-doped Co3O4 displayed remarkable HER catalysis with an overpotential (η) of 212 mV (vs RHE) recorded at 50 mA/cm2. The composite also exhibits Tafel slope of 48 mV/dec @ HER which is kinetically more efficient. 7% Ni-doped Co3O4 has the potential to replace precious-metal-based catalysts as the anodic/cathodic material within electrolyzers, reducing the associated costs of hydrogen production from water splitting.