Efficient hydrogen evolution of Ni2P via incorporation of Mo for alkaline freshwater and seawater electrolysis

Abstract

Developing high-performance and earth-abundant electrocatalysts for hydrogen production by electrolysis of freshwater/seawater is desirable but remains a huge challenge, especially in seawater solution. Herein, we report an efficient catalyst for a cathode consisting of three-dimensional standing arrays of Mo-Ni₂P/CC nanosheets uniformly grown on carbon cloth, in which the Mo doping improved the HER properties of Ni₂P by providing applicable morphology, electronic properties and active sites. It is found that the as-obtained catalyst shows superior HER activity with a low overpotential of 113 and 154 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² in 1 M KOH and simulated alkaline seawater solution, respectively. Moreover, the Mo–Ni₂P/CC catalyst exhibits favorable stability in 5000 CV cycles in 1 M KOH and reasonable stability in a 20 h stability test in alkaline, simulated seawater and alkaline seawater solution. This work may provide a feasible insight into the construction and development of high-efficiency HER electrocatalysts for freshwater/seawater electrolysis.