Three-dimensional Ni2P–MoP2 mesoporous nanorods array as self-standing electrocatalyst for highly efficient hydrogen evolution

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 45; no. 30; pp. 15063 - 15075
• Main Authors: Nguyen, C.D., Nguyen, Van-Huy, Pham, L.M.T., Vu, Thien Y.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 29-05-2020
• Subjects: 3D nanoarrays; Electrocatalyst; Hydrogen evolution reaction; Molybdenum phosphide; Nickel phosphide; 3D nanoarrays; Hydrogen evolution reaction; Electrocatalyst; Molybdenum phosphide; Nickel phosphide
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.03.220

Electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) via the splitting of water has required electrocatalysts with cost-effectiveness, environmentally friendliness, high catalytic activity, and superior stability to meet the hydrogen economy in future. In this context, we report the successful synthesis of self-standing mesoporous Ni2P–MoP2 nanorod arrays on nickel foam (Ni2P–MoP2 NRs/3D-NF) through an effective phosphidization of the corresponding NiMoO4 NRs/3D-NF. The as-synthesis Ni2P–MoP2 NRs/3D-NF, as an efficient HER electrocatalyst, exhibits small overpotential of 82.2 and 124.7 mV to reach current density of 10 and 50 mA cm−2, a low Tafel slope of 52.9 mV dec−1 and it retains its catalytic performance for at least 20 h in alkaline condition. Our work also offers a new strategy in designing and using transition metal phosphide-based 3D nanoarrays catalysts with enhanced catalytic efficiency for mass production of hydrogen fuels.
[Display omitted]
•Self-standing mesoporous Ni2P–MoP2 NRs/3D-NF catalyst is successfully fabricated.•The obtained Ni2P–MoP2 NRs/3D-NF displays high performance towards the HER.•The obtained Ni2P–MoP2 NRs/3D-NF shows superior durability and stability for the HER.