Ni(OH)(2)-WP Hybrid Nanorod Arrays for Highly Efficient and Durable Hydrogen Evolution Reactions in Alkaline Media

Abstract

The development of efficient non-noble-metal hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts in alkaline media is crucial for sustainable, ecofriendly production of H-2 through water electrolysis. An alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst composed of Ni(OH)(2)-decorated thungsten phosphide (WP) nanorod arrays on carbon paper was synthesized by thermal evaporation and electrodeposition. This hybrid catalyst displayed outstanding HER activity and required a low overpotential of only 77 mV to obtain a current density of 10 mA cm(-2) and a Tafel slope of 71 mV dec(-1). The hybrid catalyst also showed long-term electrochemical stability, maintaining its activity for 8 h. This improved HER efficiency was attributed to the synergetic effect of WP and Ni(OH)(2): Ni(OH)(2) effectively lowers the energy barrier during water dissociation and also provides active sites for hydroxyl adsorption, whereas WP adsorbs hydrogen intermediates and efficiently produces H-2 gas. This interfacial cooperation offers not only excellent HER catalytic activity but also new strategies for the fabrication of effective non-noble-metal-based electrocatalysts in alkaline media.