Electrochemical Activity of Iron Phosphide Nanoparticles in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

Iron phosphide (FeP) has been recently demonstrated as a very attractive electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the understanding of its properties is far from satisfactory. Herein, we report the HER performance of FeP nanoparticles is enhanced after a stability test due to reduced surface-charge-transfer resistance in the HER process. The synthetic temperature and reactant ratio are important for surface-charge-transfer resistance, the electrochemically active surface area, and HER activity. Hydrogenation apparently improves the HER performance of FeP nanoparticles by reducing the surface-charge-transfer resistance, overpotential, and Tafel slope. Enhanced HER performance is observed after a stability test for both bare and hydrogenated FeP nanoparticles in the HER due to reduced surface-charge-transfer resistance. Thus, this study may enrich our knowledge and understanding to advance HER catalysis for electrochemical hydrogen generation.