Ni(OH)2/Co(OH)2 nanocomposite as electrocatalyst towards water oxidation process.

Hierarchical Ni(OH)₂/Co(OH)₂ nanocomposite were produced by the use of hydrothermal technique for sustainable alternative energy production and employed as competent electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, prepared electrocatalyst achieved 3D urchin sphere like morphology at the scale range of 1 μm and 200 nm. Electrochemical studies of Ni(OH)₂/Co(OH)₂ nanocomposite was analyzed by 3 electrode using aqueous alkaline solution of 1 M KOH. Prepared Ni(OH)₂/Co(OH)₂ nanocomposite electrode attained 264.5 cm² electrochemical surface area obtained from high double layer capacitance (C_dl) value of 10.58 mF/cm² and it required very low 360 mV at 50 mA/cm² current density with 240 mV/dec Tafel value which is distinctly favorable for the effective electrocatalytic activity. The low solution resistance (R_s) value of 0.54 Ω showed the excellent conductivity and charge transfer competence. The prepared product displays good stability and the consistency up to the long duration of 16 h at 10 mA/cm². Furthermore, morphological stability of prepared nanocomposite electrode was also confirmed from the post SEM analysis which concluded the significant impact on structural transformation of nanocomposite after the electrochemical analysis. Present work revealed better perceptive of benefits and defects of alternative low cost Ni(OH)₂/Co(OH)₂ nanocomposite electrocatalyst for water oxidation process. Hence, synthesized Ni(OH)₂/Co(OH)₂ explored good electrocatalyst for OER and open new way to design alternative low cost electrocatalytic materials for sustainable energy generation. Highlights: Ni(OH)₂/Co(OH)₂ electrode attained 264.5 cm² electrochemical surface area. Obtained high double layer capacitance (C_dl) value of 10.58 mF/cm². Achieved very low 360 mV at 50 mA/cm² current density with 240 mV/dec Tafel value. Low 0.54 Ω solution resistance (R_s) showed excellent conductivity. Displayed good stability and consistency up to long duration of 16 h at 10 mA/cm². [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]