Electrocatalytic Performances of NiSe2 Compound towards Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Nickel diselenide compound was synthesized by a simple solvothermal reduction reaction at low temperature. The micro-morphology and phase structure of the prepared compound were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrocatalytic performances of NiSe2 compound towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) were evaluated by rotating disk electrode (RDE) technique. Results show that the sample is composed of cubic structure NiSe2 crystalline particles and exhibits cauliflower-like surface morphology. The catalyst presents the catalytic activity for the ORR with an open circuit potential of 0.80 V (vs. NHE) in 0.5 mol/L H2SO4 solution. The measured exchange current density is 1.35x10(-5) mA/cm(2) in the potential region of 0.63 similar to 0.77 V (vs. NHE). A transfer of about 3.8 electrons during the reduction per oxygen molecule is determined by Koutecky-Levich equation for the catalyst.