Recent research progress of bimetallic phosphides-based nanomaterials as cocatalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Hydrogen energy (H2) has been considered as the most possible consummate candidates for replacing the traditional fossil fuels because of its higher combustion heat value and lower environmental pollution. Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) from water splitting based on semiconductors is a promising technology towards converting solar energy into sustainable H2 fuel evolution. Developing high-activity and abundant source semiconductor materials is particularly important to realize highly efficient hydrogen evolution as for photocatalysis technology. However, unmodified pristine photocatalysts are often unable to overcome the weakness of low performance due to their limitations. In recent years, transition metal phosphides (TMPs) were used as valid co-catalysts to replace the classic precious metal materials in the process of photocatalytic reaction owing to their lower cost and higher combustion heat value. What is more, bimetallic phosphides have been also caused widespread concern in H2 evolution reaction owing to its much lower overpotential, more superior conductivity, and weaker charge carriers transfer impedance in comparison to those of single metal phosphides. In this minireview, we concluded the latest developments of bimetallic phosphides for a series of photocatalytic reactions. Firstly, we briefly summarize the present loading methods of bimetallic phosphides (BMPs) anchored on the photocatalyst. After that, the H2 evolution efficiency based on BMPs as cocatalyst is also studied in detail. Besides, the application of BMPs-based host photocatalyst for H2 evolution under dye sensitization effect has also been discussed. At last, the current development prospects and prospective challenges in many ways of BMPs are proposed. We sincerely hope this minireview has certain reference value for great developments of BMPs in the future research.