Bimetallic Phosphide\nNiCoP Electrocatalyst Synthesized\nby One-Step Electrodeposition for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution in\nAcidic and Alkaline Solution

Abstract

Transition metals and their phosphide compounds are promising\nalternatives\nto Pt in hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), as they are abundant\nand cost-effective. In this study, a low-cost, efficient, and stable\nHER catalyst has been developed through one-step potentiostatic electrodeposition\nat room temperature, where metal phosphide NiCoP nanoparticles are\ndirectly grown on a carbon cloth substrate. The NiCoP/CC electrocatalyst\nexhibits superior HER catalytic performance than the monometallic\nphosphides NiP/CC and CoP/CC, proving effectiveness in acidic solutions\nand an alkaline environment. Notably, the NiCoP/CC catalysts exhibit\nexcellent long-term durability at both 10 and 100 mA cm^–2. This enhanced catalytic activity is attributed to the bimetallic\nsynergistic effect of Ni and Co, facilitating electron migration among\nNi, Co, and P to optimize the electronic structure and resulting in\nsuperior performance over monometallic phosphides. Additionally, the\nNiCoP/CC catalysts feature unique surface characteristics including\nmultimesoporous structures, leading to a higher specific surface area\nand enhanced conductivity during HER reactions. As an economical\nand effective HER catalyst, NiCoP/CC electrocatalysts offer a promising\nstrategy for the development of nonprecious metal catalysts for hydrogen\nproduction on a large industrial scale.