Facile Synthesis of Ni Foam-Based Ni3N with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity for Oxygen Evolution

A simple sol–gel thermolysis method has been utilized to prepare plate-like Ni3N films supported on nickel foam (Ni3N/NF) as electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The as-prepared samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). XRD shows a typically crystal phase of Ni3N on nickel foam. The broad peak of (100) suggests smaller particle size of Ni3N on NF. SEM images confirm that Ni3N films cover on the surface of NF. Ni3N films are composed of many uniform nanoparticles, implying larger surface area and more exposed active sites. Electrochemical measurements show that Ni3N/NF exhibits superior OER activity with excellent stability, which can be attributed to more active sites and the enhanced conductivity derived from NF as support. Ni3N/NF as electrocatalysts for OER may provide novel idea for preparing highly active electrocatalysts from non-noble metallic nitrides.