Microwave quasi-solid-constructed Ni2P–Ni12P5-supported Os with unique metal–support interaction for anion-exchange membrane seawater electrolysis

Abstract

Highly efficient and corrosion-resistant electrocatalysts for the seawater hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are crucial for large-scale hydrogen production. Herein, Ni₂P–Ni₁₂P₅-supported Os (Os/Ni₂P–Ni₁₂P₅) was synthesized within 30 s via an ultrafast and simple microwave quasi-solid approach. This fabricated interface improves the electron transfer efficiency, while metal–support interaction (MSI) between Os and Ni₂P–Ni₁₂P₅ further optimizes the electronic structure, and then significantly expedites the HER process. The electrocatalyst presents excellent performance in alkaline seawater with a low overpotential of 17 mV to reach the current density of 10 mA cm⁻². In simulated industrial conditions (1 M KOH + seawater) using an anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE), the constructed Os/Ni₂P–Ni₁₂P₅ ‖ RuO₂ cell system required a small voltage of 2.06 V to achieve 1 A cm⁻². The cost calculation for the produced hydrogen reveals a low price of USD $0.92 per gallon of gasoline equivalent (GGE), which demonstrates its economic advantages for industrialized application. Moreover, various stability measurements revealed that the electrolytic cell system exhibits excellent durability without significant current fluctuations. This corrosion-resistant electrocatalyst with enhanced price activity and mass activity for sustainable seawater electrolysis will pave the way in the design of efficient electrocatalysts with diverse strategies from a novel vision.