Bimetallic
transition-metal phosphides are gradually evolving as
efficient hydrogen evolution catalysts. In this study, graphene-coated
MoP and bimetallic phosphide (MoNiP) nanoparticles (MoP/MoNiP@C) were synthesized via one-step straightforward high-temperature
calcination and phosphating process. The precursor was obtained from
polyaniline, Ni2+ ions, and phosphomolybdic acid hydrate
(PMo12) by solvent evaporation. As expected, MoP/MoNiP@C manifests excellent hydrogen evolution activity with a low overpotential
of 134 mV at 10 mA cm–2 and a small Tafel slope
of 66 mV dec–1. Furthermore, MoP/MoNiP@C exhibits satisfactory stability for 24 h in the acid electrolyte.
The outstanding catalytic performance can be attributed to the synergistic
effect of MoP and MoNiP nanoparticles, the graphene coating protecting
MoP and MoNiP from corrosion, as well as an increase in the number
of active sites because of porous structures. This work can provide
the experimental foundation for the simple synthesis of bimetallic
phosphates with remarkable hydrogen evolution performance.