Investigation of transition metal phosphides for green hydrogen production by seawater electrolysis

Transition metal phosphides have emerged as promising candidates for electrocatalysts in the hydrogen evolution reaction, an essential phase in water splitting to produce clean hydrogen. Their effectiveness in this role stems from several intrinsic physicochemical properties that enhance performance. Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) are at the forefront of contemporary catalyst research, owing to their high activity, cost-effectiveness, tunability, and stability in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. They present a genuinely promising pathway toward affordable, scalable, and sustainable hydrogen fuel production. The unique combination of electronic, structural, and chemical features in TMPs positions them as exceptional candidates for efficient and durable hydrogen generation through electrocatalysis. It is widely recognised that TMPs exhibit corrosion resistance and a higher capacity for hydrogen ion absorption, whereas transition metals are effective electrical conductors. This review encompasses significant studies of TMPs, important HER strategies related to bimetallic properties, the pivotal effect, Gibbs free energy, and the chemical and physical properties of transition metal phosphides. Furthermore, the key existing issues and future challenges of TMPs for efficient energy-related electrolysis are discussed.