One-step synthesis and excellent performances of dual-functional Ni@CN nanocapsules as electrocatalyst and microwave absorbent

Abstract A facile strategy of the one-step arc-discharge was applied to have synthesized the dual-functional N-doped graphite coated Ni (Ni@CN) nanocapsules in this study. And their microstructure, surface compositions, catalytic properties, and microwave absorption performance were investigated. The results reveal that the Ni@CN nanocapsules show superior electrocatalytic activities in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The Ni@CN nanocapsules only require an overpotential of 85 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm-2, and their Tafel slope is 60 mV dec-1. Moreover, the Ni@CN nanocapsules exhibit excellent microwave absorption performance as microwave absorbers. Their optimal value of reflection loss (RL) is -35.8 dB at 11.7 GHz with a thickness of 2.3 mm. The strong synergistic effect between the N-doped graphite shell and Ni core makes the Ni@CN nanocapsules have excellent dual-functional performance in catalytic and microwave absorption. Hence, the Ni@CN is a promising candidate for energy supplying materials and microwave absorbers in the future.