Boosting the electrocatalytic HER performance of Ni3N-V2O3 via the interface coupling effect

Constructing a suitable coupling interface to improve the performance is of great significance for the development of high-efficient electrocatalysts. Here, we design and synthesize a Ni3N-V2O3 composite via nitriding treatment of NiV-LDH precursor, which exhibits excellent electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance including low potential, fast kinetic rate and high stability. Combined with various characterizations and theoretical calculations, the performance promotion mechanism of Ni3N-V2O3 is analyzed in depth. It is proved that the confinement effect and interface coupling effect caused by the introduction of V2O3 can greatly increase the catalytic sites, regulate the charge distribution at the interface, optimize the occupancy of the N 2p orbital, and ultimately improve the electrocatalytic HER performance of Ni3N. This work provides a new idea and guidance for the design and preparation of high-efficient catalysts in the future.