Highly Integrated Precursor-Derived FePO4/P-Doped C 2D Nanofilm-Encapsulated Ni2P@NC Matrix as an Electrocatalyst for Energy-Saving Hydrogen Production

The construction of environmentally friendly and efficient electrocatalysts is of great significance for energy-saving hydrogen production. Here, we fabricate a phosphate and phosphide composite-based catalyst using the highly integrated precursor 1,1′-bis (diphenylphosphino) ferrocene (DPPF) as integral P, Fe, and C sources. The catalyst was prepared via the vapor deposition process of DPPF on the precursor of 900 °C pretreated ZIF-L/NF. Under the induction of P in DPPF, Ni on NF migrates through porous NC to form Ni2P, while DPPF transforms into FePO4/PdC. Therefore, the catalyst has the structure of the FePO4/P-doped C two-dimensional nanofilm-encapsulated Ni2P@NC matrix on NF substrates (named FPPC/Ni2P@NC/NF). Benefiting from the synergistic effect of the FePO4/PdC, Ni2P, and NC matrix, the FPPC/Ni2P@NC/NF catalyst needs only 1.317 V to reach 10 mA cm–2 in urea oxidation. Moreover, it also exhibits good OER activity, which requires an overpotential of 292 mV to reach 100 mA cm–2. This work provides a novel and environmentally friendly strategy for the simultaneous construction of metal phosphate and phosphide catalysts.