Title : Metal nanoparticles supported on boron nitride as efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions
Abstract:
Efficient and stable electrocatalysts are essential for enabling large-scale water electrolysis for hydrogen production. Nickel-based materials remain among the most cost-effective catalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), yet their intrinsic activity and long-term stability can be improved through engineered supports. In this work, we synthesize metal doped nickel-based nanoparticles immobilized on boron nitride (CBN), a chemically robust and thermally stable support with high electrical insulation and tunable surface properties. The Ni/CBN hybrid catalyst was prepared using a controlled deposition–reduction method to ensure uniform nanoparticle dispersion and strong metal–support interactions. Comprehensive characterization using XRD, TEM, BET, and XRD confirms the successful loading of highly dispersed metal doped Ni NPs on the CBN surface and highlights the structural integrity of the composite. Electrochemical testing in alkaline media demonstrates that Ni/CBN exhibits excellent catalytic activity toward both HER and OER, with reduced overpotentials, improved Tafel slopes, and enhanced stability compared to pristine Ni catalysts. The performance enhancements are attributed to improved electron transfer, increased accessible active sites, and the synergistic interactions between Ni and CBN. This study highlights Ni/CBN as a promising, low-cost, and durable bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting and offers a scalable strategy for designing high-performance metal–support hybrid systems for renewable hydrogen production.
