NiP2 nanosheet arrays supported on carbon cloth: an efficient 3D hydrogen evolution cathode in both acidic and alkaline solutions

Abstract

Designing efficient and stable hydrogen evolution catalysts made from earth-abundant elements is essential to the development of solar-driven water-splitting devices. In this communication, we develop a two-step strategy for constructing NiP₂ nanosheet arrays on carbon cloth (NiP₂ NS/CC). As a novel 3D hydrogen evolution cathode, the NiP₂ NS/CC electrode is highly active in acidic solutions and needs an overpotential of 75 and 204 mV to achieve current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm⁻², respectively, and it preserves its catalytic activity for at least 57 h. Moreover, it also operates efficiently under alkaline conditions.