Molybdenum tungsten hydrogen oxide doped with phosphorus for enhanced oxygen/hydrogen evolution reactions

Abstract

The development of efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER) is pivotal for advancing cleaner and sustainable fuel production technologies. The conventional electrocatalysts have limited stability and higher overpotentials, and there is demand to explore advanced materials and synthesis methods. In this context, a novel bifunctional electrocatalyst has been devised through the phosphidation of tungsten molybdenum oxide (P-Mo_0.69W_0.31H_0.98O₃) at relatively low temperatures. This innovative approach aims to enhance the efficiency of HER and OER while minimizing the overpotential values and maintaining higher stability. Specifically, the individual performance of Mo_0.69W_0.31H_0.98O₃ has been significantly boosted by doping it with phosphorus at a low temperature of 300 °C. This doping process results in a unique morphology for the catalyst, leading to a notable improvement in OER/HER performances. P-Mo_0.69W_0.31H_0.98O₃ exhibits a potential of 320 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² in a KOH electrolyte, demonstrating both high activity and long-term stability. Additionally, P-Mo_0.69W_0.31H_0.98O₃ exhibits commendable HER performance, requiring only 380 mV at 100 mA cm⁻². This combination of efficient OER and HER performance positions P-Mo_0.69W_0.31H_0.98O₃ as representing a significant advancement in the field of electrocatalysis, additionally addressing the fundamental gap by providing stable and hybrid catalyst for various electrochemical devices. Given its cost-effectiveness and exceptional activity, P-Mo_0.69W_0.31H_0.98O₃ holds significant potential for advancing the field of electrocatalysis and contributing to the development of cleaner and sustainable fuel production methods.