Modulation of Ni3Se2/NiSe electronic structure by Mo doping for efficient simultaneous H2 and formate production

Oxidizing glycerol to produce formate as a substitute for the traditional slow anodic oxygen evolution reaction is an effective strategy to enhance hydrogen production efficiency and reduce associated costs. However, the development of efficient and stable catalysts remains a significant challenge for the glycerol oxidation reaction coupled with water electrolysis. In this study, we synthesized molybdenum-doped Ni 3 Se 2 /NiSe nanomaterials supported on nickel foam using a straightforward one-step hydrothermal method. In a 1 M KOH solution, the Mo 0.2 catalyst exhibited exceptional electrocatalytic oxidation performance. Specifically, during the glycerol oxidation process, it achieved a current density of 10 mA cm −2 at a remarkably low potential of 1.20 V (vs. RHE) and demonstrated good electrochemical stability at a current density of 50 mA cm −2 . Studies indicate that the incorporation of molybdenum atoms modifies the chemical environment of nickel and selenium atoms, which not only enhances the electrocatalytic activity of the catalyst but also improves the stability of the material itself. Additionally, it facilitates the catalytic oxidation of glycerol at the anode while concurrently promoting hydrogen evolution at the cathode, resulting in the efficient simultaneous production of hydrogen and formate.