ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction performance of LaNiO₃/rGO hybrid electrocatalyst in alkaline medium

Meshal Fatima, Shaimaa A. M. Abdelmohsen, Meznah M. Alanazi, Abhinav Kumar, Nadeem Raza, Eman Alzahrani, Hamud A. Altaleb, and Reda A. Haggam

Department of Chemistry, Government Graduate College Taunsa Sharif, Taunsa, Pakistan

E-mail: meshalfatima2421@gmail.com

Received: 25 February 2026  Accepted: 19 May 2026

Abstract:

A cost-effective and high-performance LaNiO₃/rGO nanocomposite electrode was fabricated for effectual H₂ evolution in alkaline media. The combinition of LaNiO₃ nanoparticles with conductive rGO sheets created a porous 3D network, providing abundant catalytic sites and rapid electron transport channels. Electrochemical tests (1 M KOH) confirmed that LaNiO₃/rGO electrode significantly outperforms pristine LaNiO₃, displaying a low ƞ (191 mV) at 10 mA/cm² and Tafel plot (40 mV/dec), suggesting that HER follows the Heyrovsky pathway. Physical analyses confirmed uniform nanoparticle distribution on rGO and a stable perovskite crystalline structure, ensuring structural integrity during extended operation. The synergistic combination of LaNiO₃ and rGO enhances the active surface area and promotes efficient electron–proton transfer, leading to superior HER activity and long-term stability. These results highlight LaNiO₃/rGO as a capable catalyst for renewable H₂ production and energy applications.

Keywords: LaNiO3; rGO; HER; Electrocatalyst; Perovskite oxide; Alkaline medium

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-026-05086-9

Chemical Papers 80 (10) 11717–11727 (2026)