An electrodeposited superaerophobic nickel catalyst on pencil-drawn paper: a novel approach for highly efficient and stable hydrogen evolution

Electrocatalytic water splitting stands at the forefront for advancing renewable energy technologies. A critical challenge in this realm is the detrimental effect of gas bubble adhesion on electrode surfaces, which impairs electrochemical efficiency. Addressing this, our study introduces a superaerophobic nickel-based catalyst, innovatively fabricated through electrodeposition on pencil-drawn, non-conductive A4 paper. The catalyst's distinctive feature arises from phosphorus (P) doping, which instigates lattice contraction in the nickel metal, culminating in a cracked surface topology. This morphological alteration is demonstrated to engender superaerophobic properties, a conclusion substantiated by comprehensive first-principles calculations and meticulous surface tension measurements. The electrocatalyst showcases enhanced performance in water splitting, primarily attributed to the minimal gas bubble adhesion on its superaerophobic surface. This performance notably surpasses that of commercial Pt plates, especially at elevated current densities. Additionally, P-doping plays a pivotal role in bolstering the electrode's corrosion resistance against the electrolyte, thereby augmenting its structural stability and longevity. Our findings pave the way for a novel and efficacious approach for developing high-performance electrocatalysts, offering significant promise for sustainable and efficient hydrogen production in renewable energy applications.