Bifunctional NiCoP/NiCo Electrocatalysts on Nickel Foam for Overall Water Spillting

Abstract NiCoP/NiCo composite electrocatalysis electrodes were successfully prepared using co‐electro‐deposition method followed by low temperature phosphorization process. The combination of the two transition metals and their phosphides is expected to provide more heterogeneous structures and hierarchical interfaces for the catalyst, promoting the synergistic effect in the electrocatalysis process. The influences of the transition NiCo alloy on the morphology and catalysis performance of the composite were studied. In comparison to single component films, a considerably higher electrochemical response was observed in hierarchically porous NiCoP. The composite NiCoP/NiCo/NF electrode exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity toward HER (with overpotential of 18 and 76 mV) and OER (with overpotential of 220 and 323 mV) in alkaline electrolyte, reaching current density of 10 and 100 mA cm −2 , respectively. The NiCoP/NiCo/NF electrode can be used as the cathode or anode electrode for the electrolysis cells and endow them with high electrocatalytic performance and long term stability for water splitting.