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In Situ Fabrication of Tungsten Diphosphide Nanoparticles on Tungsten foil: A Hydrogen‐Evolution Cathode for a Wide pH Range
Author(s) -
Pu Zonghua,
Amiinu Ibrahim Saana,
Mu Shichun
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
energy technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.91
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 2194-4296
pISSN - 2194-4288
DOI - 10.1002/ente.201600110
Subject(s) - overpotential , tafel equation , catalysis , tungsten , cathode , exchange current density , nanoparticle , foil method , materials science , chemical engineering , hydrogen , nanotechnology , inorganic chemistry , electrode , chemistry , electrochemistry , metallurgy , composite material , organic chemistry , engineering
Identifying non‐precious metal electrocatalysts for the hydrogen‐evolution reaction (HER) with high efficiency and stability is a considerable challenge for the hydrogen‐based energy industry. We report the preparation of WP 2 nanoparticles supported on W foil (WP 2 NPs/W) through phosphidation of the corresponding WO 3 NPs/W precursor. This hydrogen evolution cathode shows a high HER catalytic activity with a low overpotential ( j >100 mA cm −2 at η =211 mV), a small Tafel slope (66 mV dec −1 ), and a large exchange current density (0.09 mA cm −2 ) as well as excellent stability over 27 h in acidic solution. Notably, this catalyst also offers superior catalytic activity and remarkable stability under neutral and alkaline conditions. It is worth noting that, as a Pt‐free HER catalyst, WP 2 NPs/W shows an electrocatalytic activity comparable to reported noble metal‐free HER electrocatalysts at all pH values. Thus, the in situ conversion method provides a pathway to fabricate highly efficient and low‐cost as well as self‐supported non‐precious‐metal electrodes for HER.