In situ phase-reconfiguration to synthesize Ru, B co-doped nickel phosphide for energy-efficient hydrogen generation in alkaline electrolytes

Abstract

Developing efficient and durable samples for electrocatalytic monolithic hydrolysis is a tough but rewarding task. Herein, Ru, B co-doped Ni₂P/Ni₅P₄ nanoparticles (Ru/B–Ni₂P/Ni₅P₄) are obtained by a facile and time-saving approach via ambient reduction followed by a low-temperature phosphorization process. The as-synthesized Ru/B–Ni₂P/Ni₅P₄ exhibits excellent catalytic performances toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and urea oxidation reaction (UOR) with small overpotentials of 270 mV, 31 mV, and 140 mV to deliver 10 mA cm⁻², respectively. In addition, only a low cell voltage of 1.48 V is required to drive 10 mA cm⁻² for sufficient water splitting in the UOR ‖ HER coupled system. Interestingly, a two-electrode setup can be powered by sustainable energies and then stored into portable hydrogen energy.