One-step electrodeposition of cerium-doped nickel hydroxide nanosheets for effective oxygen generation

Abstract

Efficient electrocatalysts catalyzing oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media is highly desirable for large-scale hydrogen production from water splitting. Here we report the direct electrodeposition of cerium-doped nickel hydroxide nanosheets on carbon fiber paper and its prominent performance in catalyzing the OER. The composite generates a current density of 100 mA cm-2 at an overpotential of 320 mV, rivaling the performance of most reported OER catalysts and commercially available RuO2. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis shows strong electronic interaction between Ni(OH)2 and CeO2, making a great contribution to the OER enhancement.