Tunable Charge Distribution in Self-Supported NiCoP Through V and Mo Incorporation for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution in all pH Ranges and Alkaline Seawater

Abstract

Developing electrocatalysts with high activity and durability remains a key challenge in water electrolysis, essential for advancing sustainable hydrogen fuel production. Efficient electrocatalysts capable of functioning across diverse pH conditions and in alkaline seawater for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) are crucial for the future of clean energy. In this study, a dual incorporation of vanadium (V) and molybdenum (Mo) into NiCoP [V, M (x,y)-NCP] catalyst is successfully fabricated via electrodeposition, offering an effective method for enhancing HER activity. Exhibiting low impedance and a high electrochemically active surface area, the material achieved overpotentials of 24 mV in 0.5 m H2SO4, 85 mV in 1 m PBS, and 32 mV in 1 m KOH at 10 mA cm−2. Impressively, V, M (3,6)-NCP demonstrated excellent electrocatalytic performance in alkaline seawater, achieving 41 mV at 10 mA cm−2. The catalyst exhibited remarkable corrosion resistance, maintaining stable performance for over 100 h. Theoretical calculations revealed that Mo and V incorporation into NiCoP enhances electron transfer efficiency by modifying the local electronic structure, promoting the HER process effectively. These findings highlight the significant impact of dual metal incorporation in enhancing HER technology, offering a straightforward, efficient, and cost-effective method for developing advanced electrocatalysts for diverse energy applications.