Energy-efficient electrolytic hydrogen generation using a Cu3P nanoarray as a bifunctional catalyst for hydrazine oxidation and water reduction

Energy-efficient electrolytic hydrogen generation is highly desired but still remains challenging. In this work, we demonstrate that a Cu3P nanoarray on copper foam (Cu3P/CF) behaves as a high-performance electrocatalyst for hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) in alkaline electrolytes. A full electrolytic system employing Cu3P/CF as both an anode for HzOR and a cathode for hydrogen evolution reaction drives 100 mA cm−2 at a voltage of 0.72 V in 1.0 M KOH aqueous solution with 0.5 M hydrazine. It also demonstrates high long-term stability.