“Superaerophobic” Nickel Phosphide Nanoarray Catalyst for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution at Ultrahigh Current Densities

The design of highly efficient non-noble metal electrocatalysts for large-scale hydrogen production remains an ongoing challenge. We report here a Ni2P nanoarray catalyst grown on a commercial Ni foam substrate, which demonstrates an outstanding electrocatalytic activity and stability in basic electrolyte. The high catalytic activity can be attributed to the favorable electron transfer, superior intrinsic activity and the intimate connection between the nanoarrays and their substrate. Moreover, the unique “superaerophobic” surface feature of the Ni2P nanoarrays enables a remarkable capability to withstand internal and external forces and release the in-situ generated H2 bubbles in a timely manner at large current densities (such as > 1000 mA cm-2) where the hydrogen evolution becomes vigorous. Our results highlight that an aerophobic structure is essential to catalyze gas evolution for large-scale practical applications.