ZIF-67 Derived CoNiP-N-C as an Efficient Catalyst for Water Splitting

Abstract

Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) are deemed as viable electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting reactions, which facilitates clean hydrogen production. Among the various synthesis methods, the synthesis of TMPs through simple, green and sustainable pathways remains a challenge. In this study, an ecologically friendly phytic acid assisted phosphorylation strategy was utilized to fabricate the nitrogen-doped carbon skeleton supported CoNiP nanoparticles (CoNiP-N-C). Benefiting from the incorporation of carbon matrix, the agglomeration of the TMPs was well avoided, thus leading to the fine exposure of the active sites, which significantly enhanced the catalytic activity of CoNiP-N-C for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as well as the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline solution. The electrocatalytic test unveiled that as for the CoNiP-N-C catalyst, the overpotentials of just about 170 mV and 350 mV were needed to achieve the current density of 10 mA·cm -2 for the HER and OER, respectively. Meanwhile, the excellent overall water splitting activity was achieved as well, exhibiting a current density of 10 mA·cm -2 at 1.69 V. This study suggested a new method for the preparation of novel TMPs and provided an excellent electrocatalyst for overall water splitting.