Controllable synthesis and super electrochemical stability of copper phosphide (Cu3P) nanosheets catalyst in nearly neutral electrolyte

Abstract

The catalytic activity and stability of cost-effective and highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts are crucial for electrochemical water splitting. However, the use of strongly alkaline or acidic electrolytes, which are commonly employed, poses environmental concerns. Therefore, the development of efficient electrocatalysts that can operate stably in neutral or near-neutral electrolytes holds significant importance. In this study, a self-supporting Cu3P/NF electrode was fabricated using a two-step method, wherein metal phosphide Cu3P was grown on a nickel foam (NF) substrate. Notably, the Cu3P/NF electrode exhibits an unexpected enhancement in electrochemical activity and stability when operated in an electrolyte consisting of CuSO4 and Na2CO3. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on the Cu3P/NF electrode require overpotentials of 131 mV and 230 mV, respectively, to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and 50 mA cm−2. Moreover, the stability of the Cu3P/NF electrode for HER and OER is improved by 90.22 % and 74.54 %, respectively, with the inclusion of CuSO4 in the Na2CO3 electrolyte. The improved catalytic performance and stability of Cu3P/NF electrode with the addition of CuSO4 can be attributed to the prevention of Cu + oxidation through Cu2+ and the formation of a local H+ adsorption electric field by the SO42− electron cloud. These factors contribute to the enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability of Cu3P. This work expands the efficient utilization of electrocatalysts in near-neutral electrolytes, which is of great value for the widespread application of electrocatalysts and environmental protection.