CoP/Ni2P heteronanoparticles integrated with atomic Co/Ni dual sites for enhanced electrocatalytic performance toward hydrogen evolution

Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) have attracted considerable attention as an advanced electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Nevertheless, the catalytic efficiency of single-component TMPs is still restricted that cannot endure long-term running and easy to be corroded especially under harsh conditions. In this work, a multicomponent electrocatalyst combined with CoP/Ni2P heteronanoparticles and Co/Ni single-atom active sites (denoted as N–[email protected]/Ni2P) is rational designed and prepared. The obtained N–[email protected]/Ni2P electrode material exhibits enhanced performance with the overpotential of 153 mV at 10 mA cm−2, and the small Tafel value of 53.01 mV dec−1 in 0.5 M H2SO4, and a satisfied result is obtained in basic media as well. The outstanding HER performance is mainly benefiting from the synergistic effect between CoP and Ni2P, and the highly catalytic faction of atomic Co/Ni dual sites. Furthermore, a powerful conductive network fabricated by N-doped carbon skeleton and in-situ grown CNTs improves the conductivity of catalyst. Such a stereoscopic 3D nanostructure is also facile to accelerate the shuttle of electrons and ions.