All in one: NiFe alloy embedded in N-doped carbon enveloped carbon cloth fiber for exceptional overall water splitting

Low-cost precursors, facile synthesis, outstanding performance, and high stability are the primary requirements of an ideal electrocatalyst. Herein, we report the fabrication of N-doped graphene encapsulated NiFe alloy particles rich N-doped carbon matrix enveloping carbon cloth fiber (NiFe@NC/CCF) using a straightforward thermal method for exceptional overall water splitting performance. The Ni and Fe metals ratio in N-doped graphene-encapsulated NiFe particles is controlled to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of bifunctional catalysts. A complete cell for water splitting device is constructed from optimal NiFe@NC/CCF-30 sample and displays a low voltage of 1.55 V and 1.87 ​V at a current density of 10 mA cm −2 and 100 ​mA ​cm −2 with high stability, respectively. The excellent water splitting performance is due to fast electron transfer from NiFe alloy to N-doped graphene shell in the porous N-doped carbon. The high stability of the sample is due to the resistance of the N-doped graphene shell to oxidation, degradation, and dissolution of NiFe in harsh electrolyte environment. Furthermore, N-doped carbon matrix avoided detachments of electrocatalyst from the conductive substrate and protected NiFe particles from agglomeration. This work will open a facile and low-cost approach for the commercial-scale synthesis of non-precious highly active and stable electrocatalysts for real-world water splitting applications.