Electrodeposition of nickel–phosphorus nanoparticles film as a Janus electrocatalyst for electro-splitting of water

Abstract

Nickel–phosphorus nanoparticles film on copper foam (Ni–P/CF) was prepared by electrodeposition. This electrocatalyst shows high catalytic activity and durability toward both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions in basic electrolytes. The results show that Ni–P/CF can deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 98 mV for hydrogen production and 325 mV for oxygen generating. A two-electrode water electrolyzer using Ni–P/CF as cathode and anode produces 10 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage of 1.68 V with high stability.