Programmable Synthesis of Multimetallic Phosphide Nanorods Mediated by Core/Shell Structure Formation and Conversion

Abstract

Generalized synthetic strategies for nanostructures with well-defined physical dimensions and broad-range chemical compositions are at the frontier of advanced nanomaterials design, functionalization, and application. Here, we report a composition-programmable synthesis of multimetallic phosphide CoMP x nanorods (NRs) wherein M can be controlled to be Fe, Ni, Mn, Cu, and their binary combinations. Forming Co2P/MP x core/shell NRs and subsequently converting them into CoMP x solid-solution NRs through thermal post-treatment are essential to overcome the obstacle of morphology/structure inconsistency faced in conventional synthesis of CoMP x with the different M compositions. The resultant CoMP x with uniform one-dimensional (1-D) structure provides us a platform to unambiguously screen the M synergistic effects in improving the electrocatalytic activity, as exemplified by the oxygen evolution reaction. This new approach mediated by core/shell nanostructure formation and conversion can be extended to other multicomponent nanocrystal systems (metal alloy, mixed oxide, and chalcogenide, etc.) for diverse applications.

Hollow cobalt-nickel phosphide nanocages for efficient electrochemical overall water splitting

“…In recent years, transition-metal oxides and corresponding transition metal phosphides [21][22][23][24], sulfides [25,26], nitrides [27,28], and selenides [29][30][31] have been extensively studied as non-precious bi-functional electrocatalysts for overall water-splitting. In particular, transition metal phosphides, especially bimetallic transition metal phosphides have attracted significant attentions as bi-functional electrocatalysts for water-splitting owing to their remarkably enhanced catalytic activities [32,33]. To maximize the electrochemical performance of the catalysts, endowing the electrocatalysts with hollow nanostructures is regarded as an effective approach, which can significantly increase their specific surface areas and expose more reactive sites [34][35][36][37].…”

Self‐Anti‐Stacking 2D Metal Phosphide Loop‐Sheet Heterostructures by Edge‐Topological Regulation for Highly Efficient Water Oxidation

“…[ 63 ] The two components assume the two different critical functionalities necessitated for OER and this synergy can deliver the optimal OER performance. [ 63,64 ] Alternatively, the core phosphides cooperated with the conductive carbonaceous looped‐skeleton are particularly beneficial for the faster electron transport in the heterostructure. [ 26,65 ]…”

Electronic Modulation of Hierarchical Spongy Nanosheets toward Efficient and Stable Water Electrolysis

“…In this context, the availability of different metal incorporation in one stable porous hosting material is particularly desirable for both experimental optimization and theoretical comparison/prediction. [18][19][20] The challenge of such a study, however, is the reciprocal relationship between the feasibility of electronic tuning and the stability of porous morphologies upon various metal doping. [18] Herein, correspondingly, a carbon complex structure derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is synthesized and investigated as a versatile hosting material to incorporate cheap transition metals.…”

“…[18][19][20] The challenge of such a study, however, is the reciprocal relationship between the feasibility of electronic tuning and the stability of porous morphologies upon various metal doping. [18] Herein, correspondingly, a carbon complex structure derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is synthesized and investigated as a versatile hosting material to incorporate cheap transition metals. With the strong coordination capability of organic ligands such as 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (BDC), multi-metallic MOFs can be readily produced with well-defined nanostructures.…”