Morphology tuned Ni-WS2 coated stainless steel mesh as an efficient bi-functional electrocatalyst for water splitting

Abstract

Electrocatalytic water splitting is a sustainable method for hydrogen production, but the high cost of noble metal catalysts limits its practicality. Here, we present a novel electrodeposited Ni-WS₂ coated stainless steel mesh as an efficient and cost-effective bi-functional catalyst for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The innovative design of the catalyst with its hierarchical surface and the synergistic effect of Ni and WS₂, combined with a highly reactive surface and effective bubble separation, enables remarkable catalytic performance. The catalyst achieves overpotentials of -89 mV for HER and 230 mV for OER at 10 mA/cm², with robust stability for 50 h in alkaline medium. For overall water splitting at 10 mA/cm2, a cell potential of 1.56 V was required and the cell maintained long term stability. This work represents a step forward in utilisation of non-precious metals like nickel for efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable hydrogen production.