Both [NiIII(mnt)2]−1 and [NiII(mnt)2]2 − 2 catalyze H2 evolution from acetic acid and neutral buffer. 1 and 2 afford a TOF of 282.95 and 504.25 mol/h at an OP of 0.848 V, respectively. Nickel(III) electrocatalyst is more active than the nickel(II) species.