Multifunctional 0D-2D Ni2P Nanocrystals-Black Phosphorus Heterostructure

0D transition metal phosphides (TMPs) nanocrystals (NCs)-2D ultrathin black phosphorus (BP) heterostructure (Ni2P@BP) have been synthesized via a facile sonication-assisted exfoliation followed by a solvothermal process. Compared with the bare BP, the specially designed Ni2P@BP architecture can enhance the electrical conductivity (from 2.12 x 10(2) to 6.25 x 10(4) S m(-1)), tune the charge carrier concentration (from 1.25 x 10(17) to 1.37 x 10(20) cm(-3)), and reduce the thermal conductivity (from 44.5 to 7.69 W m(-1) K-1) at 300 K, which can be considered for multiple applications. As a result, the Ni2P@BP exhibits excellent Li storage properties and high hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalytic activities. The Ni2P@BP shows improved Li diffusion kinetics (e.g., the Li ions diffusion coefficient increases from 1.14 x 10(-14) cm(2) s(-1) for pure BP nanosheets to 8.02 x 10(-13) cm(2) s(-1) for Ni2P@BP). In addition, the Ni2P@BP electrode sustains hydrogen production with almost unchanged activity over 3000 cycles, which indicates its good chemical stability when operating under strong reducing environment.