Co2P nanowire arrays anchored on a 3D porous reduced graphene oxide matrix embedded in nickel foam for a high-efficiency hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

Regulating the structural and interfacial properties of transition metal phosphides (TMPs) by coupling carbon-based materials with large surface areas to enhance hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance presents significant progress for water splitting technology. Herein, we constructed a composite substrate of a three-dimensional porous graphene oxide matrix (3D-GO) embedded in nickel foam (NF) to grow a Co₂P electrocatalyst. Well-defined gladiolus-like Co₂P nanowire arrays tightly anchored on the substrate show enhanced electrochemical characteristics for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) based on the promoting roles of 3D porous reduced GO (3D-rGO) derived from 3D-GO, which promotes the dispersion of active components, improves the rate of electron transfer, and facilitates the transport of water molecules. As a result, the obtained Co₂P@3D-rGO/NF electrode exhibits superior HER activity in 1.0 M KOH media, achieving overpotentials of 36.5 and 264.7 mV at current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm⁻², respectively. The electrode also has a low Tafel slope of 55.5 mV dec⁻¹, a large electrochemical surface area, and small charge-transfer resistance, further revealing its mechanism of high intrinsic activity. Moreover, the electrode exhibits excellent HER stability and durability without surface morphology and chemical state changes.