One-dimensional nickel–cobalt bimetallic phosphide nanostructures for the oxygen evolution reaction†
Abstract
Nickel–cobalt bimetallic phosphides have widely been used in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, finding effective strategies for fabricating one-dimensional nanostructures of bimetallic phosphides with enhanced electrocatalytic OER properties is still challenging. Herein, novel catalysts based on NiCoP nanofibers with exceptional electrocatalytic performances were synthesized for efficient OER. The resulting NiCoP nanofibers required only a minimum overpotential of 325 mV in 1.0 M KOH solution to drive a current density of 50 mA−2 for oxygen production. After 5000 OER cycles, the activity of NiCoP nanofibers remained practically unaltered, showcasing exceptional stability. The proposed strategy for designing and implementing nanostructured electrocatalysts looks promising for enhancing the performance of catalysts toward the OER for better energy production devices.