Nonprecious metal phosphides as catalysts for hydrogen evolution, oxygen reduction and evolution reactions

Abstract

Inexpensive nonprecious metal phosphides have been extensively investigated as catalysts over the past few years. This review summarizes the research on catalytic performance of nonprecious metal phosphides in three important reactions of fuel cells: hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Different components, morphologies, and supports of transition-metal phosphides have significant effects on their catalytic performances. Phosphides and their complexes as catalysts have higher performances and better stabilities compared with the commercial catalysts platinum (Pt) and iridium oxide (IrO₂), and thus they are potential alternatives to commercial catalysts. Finally, future prospects for developmental trends with nonprecious metal phosphides are discussed.