Three-dimensionally hierarchical NiCoP@PANI architecture for high-performance hydrogen evolution reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Ternary phosphides are highly active electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER).
• Efficient water splitting requires robust and conductive electrocatalyst materials.
• Developing advanced catalysts is crucial for renewable energy technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel polyaniline (PANI)-coated nickel-cobalt metal phosphides nanowire arrays (NiCoP@PANI) on nickel foam.
• To evaluate the electrocatalytic performance of NiCoP@PANI for hydrogen evolution.
• To investigate the role of PANI coating and nickel foam substrate in enhancing catalytic activity and stability.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of NiCoP nanowire arrays on nickel foam.
• Coating NiCoP nanowires with polyaniline (PANI).
• Electrochemical characterization using techniques like cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry in 1 M KOH solution.

Main Results:

• The NiCoP@PANI composite exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution.
• A low overpotential of 80.6 mV was required to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm⁻².
• The catalyst demonstrated satisfactory electrochemical stability, maintaining its structure and composition after testing.

Conclusions:

• NiCoP@PANI composites are promising electrocatalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution.
• The combination of conductive PANI and porous nickel foam enhances catalytic performance and structural integrity.
• This work contributes to the development of advanced materials for water splitting applications.