Three dimensional Ni3S2 nanorod arrays as multifunctional electrodes for electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications

The increasing demands for energy and environmental protection have stimulated intensive interest for fundamental research and practical applications. Nickel dichalcogenides (Ni3S2, NiS, Ni3Se2, NiSe, etc.) are promising materials for high-performances electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications. Herein, 3D Ni3S2 nanorod arrays are fabricated on Ni foam by a facile solvothermal route. The optimized Ni3S2/Ni foam electrode displays the areal capacity of 1602 μAh cm-2 at 5 mA cm-2, excellent rate capability and cycling stability. Besides, 3D Ni3S2 nanorod arrays as electrode materials exhibit the outstanding performances for overall water splitting reaction. Especially, 3D Ni3S2 nanorod arrays electrode is shown to be a high-performance water electrolyzer with a cell voltage of 1.63 V at current density of 10 mA cm-2 for overall water splitting. Therefore, the results demonstrate a promising multifunctional 3D electrode material for the electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications.