Mof-derived NiO@NiS hybrids for electrochemical urea assisted water splitting

•A Ni-MOF-derivate bifunctional electrocatalyst was fabricated.•Promoted catalytic performance for UOR were obtained.•The generation of hydrogen from water splitting was improved.•The electron transfer was enhanced by oxides and sulfides hybridization.•A plausible mechanism was proposed for electrochemical UOR & HER. Urea electrooxidation holds promise for both the treatment of urea wastewater and the generation of clean energy hydrogen fuel. Herein, a NiO@NiS composite was synthesized using a hydrothermal method inspired by natural urease, which demonstrated remarkable catalytic prowess in electrochemical urea oxidation reaction (UOR). Thorough electrochemical analyses uncovered the rapid kinetics and efficient charge transfer capability inherent in urea oxidation. Our work presents a straightforward method for fabricating a nickel-based composite catalyst structure, contributing to the sustainable advancement of urea oxidation.