3D-Ni-Foam/Graphene Heterostructure Decorated with g-C3N4 composite: A Noble-Metal free Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

The present study reports the synthesis of Graphene on Ni-foam decorated with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) by Chemical vapour Deposition (CVD). The as-synthesized samples have been characterized via XRD, EDX-SEM, and Raman analysis and tested for hydrogen evolution performance. The catalyst made of Ni-foam-graphene@g-C3N4 nanohybrid, shows excellent hydrogenevolution in terms of low onset (15mV Vs RHE), overpotential (140mV@10mA/cm(2)) and high cathodic current density. Here, g-C3N4 is working as a catalyst and graphene on Ni-foamis especially boosting the electrochemical performance by creating a facile electron-conducting path as well as increasing high surface area leading to the adsorption of more electrolytes inside the electrode surface. The main motto of this study is to provide a novel and cost-effective approach of synthesizing an economical and efficient noble-metal free electrocatalyst for hydrogen production as a green fuel.