In situ growth of NixSy with different crystal phases supported on different surface-treated (acidification or oxidation) nickel foam (NF) has been successfully achieved by a facile solvothermal process. XRD and SEM results show that crystal phase and morphology of NixSy have been greatly affected by the surface treatment of NF. XRD results show that the mixture crystal phases of NixSy have been obtained on both acid-treated NF (NF(a)) and oxidant treated NF (NF(o)). Nix SyINF(a) contains Ni3S2 and NiS, whereas NixSy/NF(0) has Ni3S2 and NiS2, implying different crystal phases derived from different surface treatment of NF. SEM images also reveal the different morphology of two samples based on pre-treatment support. NixSy/NF(a) displays unique conical agglomeration surrounded by porous structure. NixSy/NF(o) has the disorder stacking structure of nanosheets. Electrochemical measurements for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) show the enhanced performances of NixSyINF(a) than NixSy/NF(o) and pure Ni3S2/NF as contrast samples, implying that NiS outperforms other types of NixSy. The mechanisms of sulfurization path of different surface-treated NF have been discussed. The facile surface treatment of NF may provide a new strategy to prepare excellent electrocatalysts for OER. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.