F-CuCoP nanoarrays decorated with Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles for boosted electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

To design rationally and manufacture controllably electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) based on abundant elements of the earth is a critical, urgent and necessary. Herein, a unique nano-architecture consisted of Ni hydroxide and CuCoP supported on nickel foam (F-CuCoP/Ni(OH)2/NF) has been prepared as a highly efficient HER electrocatalyst by simple hydrothermal, calcination and electrodeposition method. Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles are attached onto CuCoP nanowires and nanosheets via the electrodeposition process. The resulting F-CuCoP/Ni(OH)2/NF exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performance for HER with an overpotential as low as 105 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline electrolyte. After 12 h of stability test, the electrode shows a favorable electrocatalytic capability and stability. This particular combination of the means is expectantly conduce to progress of energy.