RuP2/CoP heterointerfaces: A universal pH-independent catalyst for electrolytic hydrogen generation

Abstract

Transition metal phosphides have become prominent candidates for electrocatalyst applications owing to their distinctive electronic configurations. These materials' ability to facilitate electron transfer, along with their tunable properties and robustness under electrochemical conditions, positions them as potential alternatives to traditional catalysts. However, their catalytic activity is constrained by overly strong hydrogen binding energies on their surfaces and high water dissociation barriers. To tackle this challenge, we utilized a high-temperature phosphorization technique to synthesize a composite material consisting of RuP₂ and CoP on the surface of hollow carbon spheres, resulting in a structure denoted as RuP₂/CoP@NPC. The integration of RuP₂ and CoP active components at the nanoscale level facilitated efficient charge transfer, which in turn optimized the electronic properties and catalytic performance of the catalyst. The experimental data indicated that the RuP₂/CoP@NPC catalyst displayed exceptional platinum-like activity and outstanding stability for hydrogen evolution reactions across a broad pH spectrum. Additionally, the mass activity of the catalyst was found to be roughly 6.3 times greater than that of the single-component RuP₂@NPC, highlighting the substantial improvement in the intrinsic HER activity. This enhancement is attributed to the accumulation of negative charges on the Ru component, which plays a crucial role in boosting the catalyst's performance.