Interfacial and Ligand Dual Engineering Toward Energy‐Saving Hydrogen Production Coupled with Sulfion Degradation

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Authors: Jinghui Guo, Min Zhou, Yang Shen, Guo Yu, Qijun Wang, Heyan Yu, Leyuan Wang, Feng Wang, Wei Yang, Hairen Wang, Yu Ding, Yan Zhao
+1 more Zhaoyang Wang
Cited by: 4
References: 78

Abstract

Electrolytic hydrogen production assisted by the sulfion oxidation reaction (SOR) offers a low‐cost, energy‐efficient alternative to conventional methods by replacing the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which reduces the required anode potential. However, scaling this technology requires bifunctional electrocatalysts that efficiently drive SOR and sustain the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at high current density in concentrated sulfion electrolytes. Herein, using a coordinated regulation strategy of interface and ligand, we constructed a nickel cobalt sulfide/ligand‐functionalized nickel cobalt hydroxide composite catalyst (NiCo‐S/NiCo‐OH‐CL) with rich sulfide/hydroxide heterointerfaces via a hydrothermal ion exchange method, using a metal–organic framework as the precursor. Benefiting from the porous network, sulfur‐repellent hydrophilic surface, and dual electronic structure regulation from heterointerfaces and ligands, it demonstrates excellent SOR and HER activity. The constructed coupled electrocatalytic system requires an ultra‐low cell voltage of only 0.62 V at a current density of 100 mA cm −2 , achieving a cathodic hydrogen Faraday efficiency of ≥95% and operational stability for over 3200 h or 133 days. The sulfur and hydrogen yields reach 0.36 kg h −1 m −2 and 0.036 kg h −1 m −2 , respectively. This work advances a synergistic interface‐ligand modulation strategy for bifunctional catalysts and demonstrates a pathway for energy‐efficient hydrogen production and sulfur recovery.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion Advanced battery technologies research Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Publication details

Journal / source
Energy & environment materials
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
9
Issue
5
Publication date
26 January 2026
Language
EN