W-Doped MoP Nanospheres as Electrocatalysts for pH-Universal Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Because of its eco-friendliness and cost fairness, hydrogen-based energy production is considered as one of the most promising mechanisms and sources for future sustainable demand. However, developing noble-metal-free electrocatalysts with high catalytic efficiency, low cost, and high durability in pH-universal media is becoming a bottleneck for practical applications. Herein, W-MoP nanospheres derived from W-decorated metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were prepared via a facile synthesis route and phosphorization. The as-prepared materials exhibited improved catalytic activity toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with low overpotentials of 63, 71, and 82 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm(2) in acidic, alkaline, and neutral electrolytes, respectively. Furthermore, the as-prepared catalyst showed superior stability and fast interfacial electron transfer kinetics. W decoration, followed by phosphorization, together with large surface area and nanospherical structure of the as-prepared catalyst could account for the superior catalytic efficiency in whole pH range.

Automated summary

This study successfully developed noble-metal-free electrocatalysts in the form of W-MoP nanospheres, which showed excellent catalytic activity and stability in electrolytes with different pH values. The superior catalytic efficiency was attributed to the W decoration, phosphorization, large surface area, and nanospherical structure of the catalyst.