Induction of Co2P Growth on a MXene (Ti3C2Tx)-Modified Self-Supporting Electrode for Efficient Overall Water Splitting

It still is a challenge to create a superior and easily coupled bifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting impelled by a low voltage. In this work, the controlled growth of Co₂P NAs on the surface of a MXene (Ti₃C₂T_x)-modified self-supporting electrode is demonstrated as a competent and reliable bifunctional electrocatalyst for efficient water splitting. The heterointerface in Co₂P@Ti₃C₂T_x with an optimized adsorption free energy of H*, H₂O, and better conductivity can give enhanced HER (hydrogen evolution reaction) activity, with a low overpotential (42 mV) at 10 mA cm^-2. Additionally, the OER (oxygen evolution reaction) activity has also been similarly strengthened by the synergy of Co₂P and MXene with an overpotential of 267 mV to arrive at 10 mA cm^-2. Furthermore, the excellent bifunctional electrode (Co₂P@Ti₃C₂T_x∥Co₂P@Ti₃C₂T_x) exhibits efficient engineering water-splitting performance (1.46 V@10 mA cm^-2) in alkaline solution. This simple design can propose a promising approach to exploit precious-metal-free catalysts for energy conversion.