CoSe₂Nanoparticles Grown on Carbon Fiber Paper: An Efficient and Stable Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

TLDR

Improving both the activity and the stability of the catalyst remains a key challenge. The study aims to develop a non‑noble‑metal catalyst for hydrogen production in solar water‑splitting devices by describing a two‑step synthesis of CoSe₂ nanoparticles on carbon fiber paper. A two‑step reaction produces three‑dimensional electrodes of CoSe₂ nanoparticles on carbon fiber paper. The resulting electrodes deliver high catalytic activity (100 mA cm⁻² at ~180 mV overpotential) and exceptional durability under long‑term cycling and extended electrolysis, making them attractive for large‑scale water‑splitting.

Abstract

Development of a non-noble-metal hydrogen-producing catalyst is essential to the development of solar water-splitting devices. Improving both the activity and the stability of the catalyst remains a key challenge. In this Communication, we describe a two-step reaction for preparing three-dimensional electrodes composed of CoSe2 nanoparticles grown on carbon fiber paper. The electrode exhibits excellent catalytic activity for a hydrogen evolution reaction in an acidic electrolyte (100 mA/cm(2) at an overpotential of ∼180 mV). Stability tests though long-term potential cycles and extended electrolysis confirm the exceptional durability of the catalyst. This development offers an attractive catalyst material for large-scale water-splitting technology.