In situ growth of NiSe2 nanocrystalline array on graphene for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

Nickel selenide electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with a high efficiency and a low-cost have a significant potential in the development of water splitting. However, the inferiority of the high overpotential and poor stability restricts their practical applications. Herein, a composite nanostructure consists of ultrasmall NiSe2 nanocrystals embedded on graphene by microwave reaction is reported. The prepared NiSe2/reduced graphite oxide (rGO) electrocatalyst exhibited a high HER activity with an overpotential of 158 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm2 and a corresponding moderate Tafel slope of 56 mV/dec in alkaline electrolyte. In addition, a high retention of electrochemical properties (approximately 100%) was demonstrated with an unchangeable microstructure after 100 h of continuous operation.