Electrodeposited hybrid Ni–P/MoSx film as efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution in alkaline media

Abstract

The hybrid Ni–P/MoSx film as efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media has been successfully synthesized through a facile two-step electrodeposition process. The obtained hybrid Ni–P/MoSx can possess the improved activity and conductivity owing to the incorporation of Ni–P. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that the edge sites of MoSx have not been completely covered by Ni–P, exposing more active sites for HER. The better dispersion of Ni–P on the surface of MoSx has been obtained, implying the enhancement of the conductivity of Ni–P/MoSx film. The electrochemical measurements confirm that Ni–P/MoSx film has the better activity for HER than pure Ni–P and MoSx, with an overpotential of 140 mV (at j = 10 mA cm−2) and a low Tafel slope of 64 mV dec−1. The improved HER activity may be attributed to the excellent conductivity of Ni–P and the synergistic effect derived from hybrid Ni–P/MoSx film.