Ni₁₂P₅ Nanoparticles as an Efficient Catalyst for Hydrogen Generation <i>via</i> Electrolysis and Photoelectrolysis

Abstract

The exploitation of a low-cost catalyst is desirable for hydrogen generation from electrolysis or photoelectrolysis. In this study we have demonstrated that nickel phosphide (Ni₁₂P₅) nanoparticles have efficient and stable catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction. The catalytic performance of Ni₁₂P₅ nanoparticles is favorably comparable to those of recently reported efficient nonprecious catalysts. The optimal overpotential required for 20 mA/cm² current density is 143 ± 3 mV in acidic solution (H₂SO₄, 0.5 M). The catalytic activity of Ni₁₂P₅ is likely to be correlated with the charged natures of Ni and P. Ni₁₂P₅ nanoparticles were introduced to silicon nanowires, and the power conversion efficiency of the resulting composite is larger than that of silicon nanowires decorated with platinum particles. This result demonstrates the promising application potential of metal phosphide in photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation