In situ growth of Ni0·85Se on graphene as a robust electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

Seeking the efficient and robust electrocatalysts necessarily enhances performance of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Increasing the surface active sites is a means to improve the performance. Herein, we use the Ni0·85Se anchored on reduction of graphene oxide (Ni0·85Se/rGO) hybrid material skillfully established by one-step facile hydrothermal method as a robust and stable electrocatalyst applying to hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In terms of morphology, Ni0·85Se nanospheres composed of many nanosheets are uniformly distributed on the graphene sheet layer. We also detailedly analyze its properties. Based on the interaction between Ni0·85Se and rGO, and the roles of graphene are as a substrate to heighten conductivity, possesses more active surface area by limiting growth of Ni0·85Se, and increases dispersion for exposing more active surface area and enlarge ion/electron transfer rate. In HER, the Ni0·85Se/rGO catalyst displays the overpotential of 128 mV with a common current density of 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 91 mV dec−1, an extremely low onset potential of 37 mV, outstanding stability that a high current retention of 97.7% after 1000 cycles and well long-term stability for 18 h, outperforming the capability of Ni0·85Se nanospheres in alkaline solution for HER. The above results indicate that the Ni0·85Se/rGO hybrid material is a good HER ability and non-noble metal electrocatalyst has potential value in HER.