Synthesis of supported vertical NiS2 nanosheets for hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic and alkaline solution

Abstract

We synthesized vertical NiS₂ nanosheets supported on a graphite substrate, which were fabricated by the surfactant-templated reaction followed by sulfidation. These nanosheets are efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Structural characterization revealed that the as-grown NiS₂ existed in a pyrite-structure and vertical nanosheets. The NiS₂ electrocatalyst exhibited excellent activity and stability toward HER in both acidic and alkaline solution, with low Tafel slopes of ∼40 and ∼80 mV per decade, respectively.