N,P-Codoped Carbon Layer Coupled with MoP Nanoparticles as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• Efficient electrocatalysts are crucial for advancing hydrogen energy technologies.
• Developing cost-effective and high-performance alternatives to platinum is a key challenge in hydrogen production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate a novel N,P-codoped carbon layer coupled with MoP nanoparticles (MoP/NPCs) as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
• To investigate the catalytic activity, onset potential, Tafel slope, and stability of the synthesized MoP/NPCs in an acidic electrolyte.

Main Methods:

• Facile high-temperature pyrolysis treatment was employed to synthesize the MoP/NPCs.
• Electrochemical characterization techniques were used to assess the HER performance, including cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry.
• The catalyst's structural and compositional properties were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The synthesized MoP/NPCs exhibited excellent HER activity, characterized by a low onset potential of 90 mV.
• The catalyst demonstrated a small Tafel slope of 71 mV dec⁻¹, indicating efficient charge transfer kinetics.
• Extraordinary stability was observed in the acidic electrolyte over extended operation.

Conclusions:

• The N,P-codoped carbon layer coupled with MoP nanoparticles is a highly effective electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
• This facile synthesis strategy offers a promising pathway for developing sustainable and cost-effective molybdenum-based electrocatalysts as alternatives to platinum for hydrogen energy applications.