A g-CN/Ni3S2 hybrid nanostructures for water splitting: A step towards sustainable energy-storage applications

Abstract

Concerns about energy deficits, greenhouse gases and the quick reduction of fossil fuels have moved research on efficient and environmentally friendly energy production and storage technologies. The electrocatalytic oxygen evolution process (OER) has gained significant attention owing to its critical role as a hydrogen (H₂) source for the coming decades. A facile hydrothermal method produced the novel g-CN/Ni₃S₂ composite for an OER with various physical and electrochemical characterizations to assess the electrocatalytic efficacy in a 1 M KOH electrolyte. Herein, the nanocomposite represented large active areas with an elevated surface area. Possibly enhancing charge transfer owing to its distinctive structure and morphology, resulting in improved material durability over 30 h. The findings indicated reduced overpotential (192 mV), minimum Tafel slope (35 mV/dec) and enhanced cyclic durability to achieve an optimal (C_d) current density (10 mA/cm²) were further validated inside the electrochemical cell. The g-CN/Ni₃S₂ combination also exhibited a notably lower R_ct (2.7 Ω) and onset potential value (1.56 V) with an increased turnover frequency (1.09 s⁻¹), revealing an exceptional electrocatalytic activity. Research indicates that incorporating g-CN with a particular metal sulfide might improve the performance of the electrocatalyst, making it a capable applicant for future water-oxidization and OER applications.