In order to lower the energy barrier and improve the energy efficiency for hydrogen production by splitting water, highly efficient OER catalysts are required. Here, we report the electrodeposition of Ni (OH)(2)/NiOOH in the presence of urea showing the improved electrocatalysis for the hydrogen production in KOH electrolyte. By potential scanning, the Ni(OH)(2) colloid in alkali solution was transformed into the deposited Ni(OH)(2)/NiOOH. The presence of urea facilitates to deposit Ni(OH)(2)/NiOOH with higher electron transfer than the absence of urea, leading to a higher electrocatalytic OER. As supporting electrolyte, KOH exhibits better performance on the electrodeposition of Ni(OH)(2)/NiOOH and their OER electrocatalysis than NaOH. The work shows the potential application using cheap, non-precious metal-based electrocatalysts to overcome the well-known bottlenecks limiting power density of hydrogen fuel cell and energy efficiency of splitting water. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.