NiCoP nanoarchitectures: One-step controlled electrodeposition and their application as efficient electrocatalysts for boosting hydrogen evolution reaction

Designing non-precious and long-lasting electrocatalysts with enhanced catalytic properties for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a fundamental approach to address the needs for hydrogen industry and overcome the current challenges in sustainable energy generation. Herein, we present ternary NiCoP nanostructures synthesized through a direct and controlled electrochemical deposition at room temperature as highly efficient electrocatalysts for HER. Different Ni/Co ratios in the alloy were investigated resulting in different nanoarchitectured morphologies, chemical compositions and HER performances, in turn. The NiCoP–I alloy exhibited a nanoparticulated morphology comprising well-defined nanoparticles of ∼20–30 nm which evolved to nanoparticulated caps at prolonged electrodeposition times presenting a large electrochemical surface area of 526 cm 2 . The NiCoP–I electrocatalyst demonstrated a small Tafel slope of 49 mV dec −1 and an ultra-low overpotential of 68 mV vs. RHE at −10 mA cm −2 in alkaline solution which well rivals to that of Pt foil and outmatches its binary alloy counterparts. • Ternary NiCoP nanostructured electrocatalysts were directly electrodeposited. • The effects of electrodeposition conditions were deeply investigated. • A large ECSA was obtained for all prepared NiCoP electrocatalysts. • Synergistic effects were observed for Ni, Co and P in ternary catalysts. • Excellent HER activity and stability were achieved in alkaline solution.