Optimizing Electronic and Geometrical Structure of Vanadium Doped Cobalt Phosphides for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

Despite the expectation on transition-metal phosphides as precious-metal-free electrocatalysts, the reported performance of these materials still necessitates further improvement. Ingenious regulations of both geometric and electronic structure have been proposed as an effective approach to boost their electrocatalytic properties. In this regard, the selfsupported V doped CoP nanowires on nickel foam are prepared to accommodate both optimized electronic structure and desired nanostructure, which enable large surface area, abundant active sites exposure, low charge transfer resistance, as well as favorable H* adsorption. As for the alkaline hydrogen evolution, it only requires a lower potential of 79 mV and 125 mV to drive 10 mA • cm À 2 and 100 mA • cm À 2 current with a Tafel slope of 47.41 mV • dec À 1 , which prevails over commercial Pt/C catalysts. The catalyst also exhibits excellent durability to retain activity unchanged for more than 16 h. Such a simple and convenient strategy by electronic tuning and structure design provides a new avenue toward the exploration of efficient electrocatalysts.

Design of Single‐Atom Catalysts for E lectrocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation

“…According to the Nyquist plot obtained by EIS, the solution resistance and charge transfer efficiency are described [70] . It has been noted in previous reports that differences in catalyst loading, preparation technique, and morphology lead to different catalytic capabilities in ENRR [71] . Therefore, standardized test steps should be used in the ENRR process to reduce errors and improve accuracy.…”