Metal-organic frameworks assisted the construction of NixCo1-xP/rGO composites as highly efficient hydrogen evolution catalysts

Developing non-noble metal catalysts with low price, functional activity, and robust stability for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is greatly desirable. Herein, we report NixCo1-xP nanoparticles anchoring reduced graphene oxide (NixCo1-xP/rGO) fabricated from metal-organic frameworks precursors via a facile phosphorization reaction under N-2 atmosphere. The as-prepared NixCo1-xP/rGO catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field-emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherm. In particular, the optimized Ni0.14Co0.86P/rGO composite shows a good performance towards HER electrocatalysis with a low overpotential of 181 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm(-2) and Tafel slope of 65 mV dec(-1), benefiting from the synergistic effect of both Ni doping and rGO incorporation. Such collaborative interplay can significantly tune electronic conductivity and thereby promote the HER process. This simple fabrication process of NixCo1-xP/rGO catalysts is expected to offer useful guidelines for exploring excellent HER catalysts.