Highly porous interconnected MoP decorated graphene oxide as remarkably efficient electrocatalyst.

Hydrogen (H2) production through water splitting has less viable applications due to the unfavourable kinetics of the reaction. Electrocatalysts with a robust structure, high levels of catalytic activity, and a high degree of stability are in high demand but challenging. This paper reports the synthesis of highly porous interconnected molybdenum phosphide (MoP) assembled with graphene oxide (GO) to form MoP/RGO hybrid electrocatalysts in a novel phosphorization process at a reasonably low temperature under an argon (Ar) atmosphere by a mixing and heat-treating method for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Bifunctional MoP anchored on reduced graphene oxide (MoP/RGO) porous structures exhibited extra permeability for ion and electrolyte transport. An efficient MoP/RGO-based electrocatalyst exhibited brilliant electrocatalytic performance, having HER overpotential of 96 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm2 with a low Tafel slope of 64 mV/dec in an alkaline solution. The effectiveness of an optimised electrocatalyst indicates significant HER activity for all intermediate chemical reactions. A highly efficient electrocatalyst also exhibited long-term stability with a minor potential decrease over 24 h. RGO shows great potential as a material possessing remarkable strength in the context of high temperature phosphorization. It effectively hinders particle agglomeration, enhances catalyst conductivity, and ultimately betters both the performance and durability of an electrocatalyst in HER applications.

An inclusive review and perspective on Cu-based materials for electrochemical water splitting.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in developing green and renewable alternate energy sources as a solution to the energy and environmental problems produced by conventional fossil fuel use. As a very effective energy transporter, hydrogen (H2) is a possible candidate for the future energy supply. Hydrogen production by water splitting is a promising new energy option. Strong, efficient, and abundant catalysts are required for increasing the efficiency of the water splitting process. Cu-based materials as an electrocatalyst have shown promising results for application in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) in water splitting. In this review, our aim is to cover the latest developments in the synthesis, characterisation, and electrochemical behaviour of Cu-based materials as a HER, and OER electrocatalyst, highlighting the impact that these advances have had on the field. It is intended that this review article will serve as a roadmap for developing novel, cost-effective electrocatalysts for electrochemical water splitting based on nanostructured materials with particular emphasis on Cu-based materials for electrocatalytic water splitting.