Regulating the electronic structure of CoMoO4 microrod by phosphorus doping: an efficient electrocatalyst for the
Feixiang Jiao1, Jinhui Li, Jinlei Wang
1Chemical Engineering and Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030051, China. gyq@nuc.edu.cn.
Dalton Transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
|September 16, 2020
Summary
Phosphorus-doped cobalt molybdate on nickel foam (P-CoMoO4/NF) efficiently catalyzes the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for clean hydrogen fuel production. This non-precious metal catalyst demonstrates excellent activity and stability in alkaline conditions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Efficient and renewable hydrogen fuel production is crucial for a sustainable energy future.
- Electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are key to efficient hydrogen generation.
- Heteroatom doping, specifically phosphorus, can optimize electrocatalyst performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, high-performance, non-precious metal electrocatalyst for alkaline HER.
- To investigate the effect of phosphorus doping on the electronic structure and catalytic activity of CoMoO4.
- To fabricate a stable and cost-effective catalyst for water electrolysis.
Main Methods:
- A facile hydrothermal method followed by low-temperature phosphidation was used to synthesize monoclinic P-CoMoO4 supported on nickel foam (P-CoMoO4/NF).
- Electrochemical characterization techniques were employed to evaluate the HER performance in 1 M KOH.
- Long-term stability tests were conducted to assess the durability of the catalyst.
Main Results:
- P-CoMoO4/NF exhibited outstanding electrocatalytic performance for HER, with a low overpotential of 89 mV at 10 mA cm-2.
- The catalyst achieved a remarkable Tafel slope of 59 mV dec-1, indicating efficient reaction kinetics.
- Excellent stability was demonstrated over a 24-hour test period.
Conclusions:
- Phosphorus doping effectively optimizes the electronic structure of CoMoO4, leading to enhanced HER activity.
- P-CoMoO4/NF presents a promising, low-cost, highly active, and stable non-precious metal electrocatalyst for water electrolysis.
- This work offers a superior synthesis strategy for designing advanced electrocatalysts for electricity-to-hydrogen applications.
