NiCoP nanoarchitectures: One-step controlled electrodeposition and their application as efficient electrocatalysts for boosting hydrogen evolution reaction

Designing non-precious and long-lasting electrocatalysts with enhanced catalytic properties for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a fundamental approach to address the needs for hydrogen industry and overcome the current challenges in sustainable energy generation. Herein, we present ternary NiCoP nanostructures synthesized through a direct and controlled electrochemical deposition at room temperature as highly efficient electrocatalysts for HER. Different Ni/Co ratios in the alloy were investigated resulting in different nanoarchitectured morphologies, chemical compositions and HER performances, in turn. The NiCoP-I alloy exhibited a nanoparticulated morphology comprising well-defined nanoparticles of similar to 20-30 nm which evolved to nanoparticulated caps at prolonged electrodeposition times presenting a large electrochemical surface area of 526 cm(2). The NiCoP -I electrocatalyst demonstrated a small Tafel slope of 49 mV dec(-1) and an ultra-low overpotential of 68 mV vs. RHE at -10 mA cm(-2) in alkaline solution which well rivals to that of Pt foil and outmatches its binary alloy counterparts. (C) 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Designing non-precious and long-lasting electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for sustainable energy generation. In this study, ternary NiCoP nanostructures were synthesized and showed superior HER performances compared to binary alloys.