Self-supported Ni2P nanotubes coated with FeP nanoparticles electrocatalyst (FeP@Ni2P/NF) for oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract Bimetallic phosphides have been widely investigated as electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) due to their efficient activity and environmental friendliness. While the reasonable design and controllable synthesis of bimetallic phosphide with typical nanostructure is still a great challenge. Hence, we put forward a novel and straightforward way for constructing FeP nanoparticles coated Ni2P ultrathin nanotube arrays on the surface of Ni foil (FeP@Ni2P/NF), which is synthesized through two steps of electrodeposition and subsequent in-situ phosphorization process. The obtained FeP@Ni2P/NF shows excellent electrochemical activity for OER, and it only needs potential of 1.52 V vs. RHE to reach the current density of 50 mA cm−2 in an alkaline media. The excellent electrocatalytic activity of FeP@Ni2P/NF mainly benefits from: (i) the synergistic effect between FeP and Ni2P promoting electron transfer; (ii) the formation of the unique 3D ultrathin nanotube arrays increasing the quantity of active sites and avoiding the agglomeration of catalysts during testing. In addition, the influence of reaction condition on the electrochemical activity for OER has also been investigated through altering the phosphorization temperature of precursor.