Electrochemical Synthesis of a Ni–W–P/Mo Electrode for Highly Efficient and Stable Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Hydrogen energy as a new type of clean energy has been widely used. Electrolysis is a highly effective method of producing hydrogen from water. Catalysts with low development costs and high efficiency are the focus of current research. A novel Ni–W–P/Mo catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was synthesized by electrodeposition based on a molybdenum mesh. The experimental results show that when the current density is 10 mA/cm2, the best overpotential of Ni–W–P/Mo in alkaline medium is 75 mV. Not only that, the Tafel slope (77 mV/dec) also proves its excellent dynamic performance. In addition, the 60 h stability test at a current density of 10 mA/cm2 indicates an excellent long-term stability performance. Compared with the catalysts reported in recent years, the HER performance of Ni–W–P/Mo is much better than that of most nonprecious metal catalysts. The uniform and regular molybdenum network provides a large area of support for the catalyst, which is conducive to the synthesis and reaction of the catalyst. By doping W, the electronic structure of the catalyst is regulated, and the water decomposition is promoted. The stability of the morphology is also an important factor in improving the activity of the catalyst. The amorphous catalyst synthesized by the electrodeposition method in this work provides a new idea for the research of catalytic materials for hydrogen production by electrolysis of water and has important significance for promoting the development of a hydrogen energy economy.