Three-dimensional porous NiCoP foam enabled high-performance overall seawater splitting at high current density

Abstract

Developing high-performance bifunctional electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER) is essential to future renewable energy systems. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) porous NiCoP foam on Ni foam (NiCoP foam/NF) is designed and employed as an outstanding bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall seawater splitting, requiring only 328 mV and 356 mV overpotentials for the HER and OER, respectively, at an industrial-level current density of 1000 mA cm⁻². Moreover, the 3D NiCoP foam/NF-assembled two-electrode electrolyzer can operate at a low cell voltage of 1.97 V to obtain 1000 mA cm⁻² and present a stable response for over 300 h in alkaline seawater, underscoring its potential for sustainable energy applications.