Homogeneous pseudoamorphous metal phosphide clusters for ultra stable hydrogen generation by water electrolysis at industrial current density

Abstract

Industrial hydrogen production based on water electrolysis requires the catalysts that operate stably at ultra-high current densities for extended periods. Herein, we prepared a highly dispersed pseudoamorphous metal phosphide cluster catalyst supported by nitrogen-doped carbon layer ((NiFeCo)2P-PA/NF). Due to its excellent intrinsic activity and stable structure, (NiFeCo)2P-PA/NF can drive oxygen evolution unremittingly for more than 160 h at a current density of 500 mA cm−2 (365 mV). Theoretical calculations also show that the energy barrier of the rate-determining step in the (NiFeCo)2P-PA is effectively is reduced. This alkaline hydrogen production system using (NiFeCo)2P-PA/NF as cathode and anode can meet commercial standards, showing low cell voltage (1.590 V) and extraordinary stability (over 300 h) at industrial current densities, and driving a cell voltage of only 1.372 V for 100 mA cm−2 in the urea alkaline hydrogen production system, demonstrating its potential for industrial applications.