Innovative Morphology Control Method: Modulating Metal Ratios in NixCoP@NF for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

AbstractThe use of non‐precious metal materials for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) holds significant importance for the widespread application of new energy technologies. In this study, we prepare a novel foam nickel (NF) supported NixCoP (NixCoP@NF) nanocrystal through a one‐pot hydrothermal method and high‐temperature phosphorization, involving a straightforward process. Innovatively, we achieve morphology control of NixCoP@NF by altering the Ni : Co ratio to maximize its active surface area. The resulting ′petal‐like′ Ni0.5CoP@NF nanostructure exhibits high activity and long‐term durability in an alkaline medium (1 M KOH), with an overpotential of 58 mV at a current density of 10 mA ⋅ cm−2, a Tafel slope of 60.82 mV ⋅ dec−1, and demonstrates lower impedance compared to most non‐precious metal HER electrocatalysts. Furthermore, the variation in activation energy (Ea) reflects the thermodynamic advantages during the electrolysis process. This work offers a new approach for the development of simple and cost‐effective HER catalysts.