NiCoP nanopeapods embedded in carbon nanotube arrays as bifunctional catalysts for efficient overall water splitting. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bian, J.L.; Song, Z.Y.; Zhang, Y.Z.; Cheng, C.W.
• Is Part Of: Materials today nano. Volume 8(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Eelectrocatalyst -- Hydrogen evolution reactions -- Oxygen evolution reaction -- Bimetallic phosphides; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology; Nanoscience; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Periodicals; Periodical; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtnano.2019.100053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2588-8420

Abstract

Abstract: The development of earth-abundant and durable electrocatalyts with high activity is important to realize efficient overall water splitting. Herein, we report the design and fabrication of a bifunctional catalyst of NiCoP nanopeapods embedded in carbon nanotube arrays (NiCoP nanopeapods/CNTs) for overall water splitting. The unique nanopeapods structure and synergistic effect between the bimetallic phosphides and carbon nanotubes provide them excellent bifunctional electroactivity and structural stability. Specifically, the NiCoP nanopeapod/CNT electrode requires an overpotential of 82 mV and 250 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm −2 in 1 M KOH medium for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively. Moreover, the NiCoP nanopeapods/CNTs are used as both the cathode and anode for an alkaline electrolyzer, which only requires a cell voltage of 1.558 V at 10 mA cm −2, which is superior to most of the non-precious metal catalysts for water splitting. Graphical abstract: A novel NiCoP nanopeapods embedded in carbon nanotube arrays as a bifunctional catalyst was designed for efficient overall water splitting with low cell voltage and excellent stability. Image 1 Highlight: ● Novel NiCoP nanopeapods embedded in carbon nanotube array bifunctional catalysts were fabricated. ● Excellent hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction performance was demonstrated. ● An efficient alkaline electrolyzer with low cell voltage and excellent stability was fabricated.