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Synergetic Catalytic Effect between Ni and Co in Bimetallic Phosphide Boosting Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Xiaohan Wang1,2,3, Han Tian1, Libo Zhu1,3
1Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 24, 2024
Summary
A novel bimetallic NiCoP-2/NF catalyst shows excellent performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. This catalyst offers a stable and efficient pathway for renewable energy conversion and hydrogen production.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for zero-carbon energy conversion.
- Metal phosphides are promising HER catalysts but suffer from weak H* adsorption and dissolution in alkaline environments.
- Developing robust and efficient HER catalysts is essential for practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a highly active and stable bimetallic catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline conditions.
- To investigate the synergetic effects of nickel and cobalt in metal phosphides for enhanced HER performance.
- To evaluate the catalyst's stability and its application in an alkaline electrolyser for hydrogen production.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a bimetallic NiCoP-2 phosphide catalyst on nickel foam (NF).
- Electrochemical characterization including overpotential measurements at various current densities.
- Long-term stability testing and analysis of the protective amorphous phosphorus oxide layer.
- Fabrication and testing of an alkaline electrolyser using the developed catalyst.
Main Results:
- The NiCoP-2/NF catalyst achieved low overpotentials of 150 mV and 169 mV at 500 and 1000 mA cm⁻², respectively.
- The catalyst demonstrated stable operation for 100 hours with no significant activity decay.
- Synergistic effects between Ni (enhanced intrinsic activity) and Co (increased electrochemically active area) were observed.
- An electrolyser using NiCoP-2/NF as both cathode and anode catalysts showed low electric consumption.
Conclusions:
- The bimetallic NiCoP-2/NF catalyst offers superior HER performance and stability in alkaline media.
- The catalyst's design overcomes limitations of traditional metal phosphides, paving the way for efficient hydrogen production.
- This development contributes to the advancement of renewable energy conversion and a zero-carbon society.
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