Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Property in Alkaline Solution of Molybdenum Disulfide Modified by Surface Anchor of Nickel–Phosphorus Coating

Abstract

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) is unfavorable for practical application in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) process due to its inert basal surface, inferior conductivity, and limited amount of active edge sites. For the purpose of enhancing the HER performance of this catalyst, the HER activity of its basal surface should be increased. Herein, three types of nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) coatings-namely, low phosphorus (LP), medium phosphorus (MP) and high phosphorus (HP) -were anchored onto the surfaces of MoS 2 nanoparticles via an electroless plating process; thus, three Ni-P/MoS 2 composites (Ni-LP/MoS 2 , Ni-MP/MoS 2 , and Ni-HP/MoS 2 ) were fabricated. Crystal structures, morphologies, chemical components, and HER performances of each in an alkaline solution were characterized. Both Ni-LP/MoS 2 and Ni-MP/MoS 2 showed a crystal nature, while the amorphous feature for Ni-HP/MoS 2 was validated. The three Ni-P/MoS 2 composites exhibited a higher HER activity than the pure MoS 2 . The HER performance of the Ni-MP/MoS 2 composite was more outstanding than those of other two composites, which could be attributed to the presence of metastable nickel phosphides, and the excellent conductivity of Ni-MP coating anchored on the basal surface of MoS 2 .

Oxide Electrocatalysts Based on Earth-Abundant Metals for Both Hydrogen- and Oxygen-Evolution Reactions

“…In acidic condition, materials such as sulfides, , carbides, nitrides, and metals have been used. Similarly, in the basic medium, catalysts such as sulfides, phosphides, carbides, and nitrides have been utilized. Very few oxides have shown HER activity in either acidic or alkaline environment.…”

Electroless Metallization of the Elements: Survey and Progress

“…The preparation of composites to enhance EL Ni properties such as wear-resistance, hardness, corrosion protection, and catalytic properties via the use of particulate additives such as metal oxides, 41,216,369 metal sulfides, 370 silica, 74 alumina, 331,371 diamond, 372 nitrides, 327,373 carbides, 374−376 graphene oxide, 326 or polymers 74,377 has been a long-standing area of interest that has continued in recent years. Extensive reviews are available for readers interested in additional information.…”

“…The preparation of composites to enhance EL Ni properties such as wear-resistance, hardness, corrosion protection, and catalytic properties via the use of particulate additives such as metal oxides, ,, metal sulfides, silica, alumina, , diamond, nitrides, , carbides, − graphene oxide, or polymers , has been a long-standing area of interest that has continued in recent years. Extensive reviews are available for readers interested in additional information. ,,,, Here we present examples that reflect the recent developments in “smart” composites, i.e ., composites capable of responding to a stimulus to enable a desirable outcome or function.…”

Origin of Electrocatalytic Activity in Amorphous Nickel–Metalloid Electrodeposits

“…Thus, the replacement of noble metals with earth-abundant materials is becoming more and more crucial for clean-energy technologies. Nickel phosphide (NiP) and its composites have recently been considered acid-stable, cost-effective, and efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). − NiP shares a similar catalytic mechanism to hydrogenases found in nature, suggesting that they may show excellent electrocatalytic HER performance. Besides, NiP has also been proven to possess application prospects in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), paving the way for developing bifunctional Ni x P y materials. − …”