Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: The search for active, stable, and cost-efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen production via water splitting could make a substantial impact on energy technologies that do not rely on fossil fuels. Here we report the synthesis of rhodium phosphide electrocatalyst with low metal loading in the form of nanocubes (NCs) dispersed in high-surface-area carbon (Rh 2 P/C) by a facile solvo-thermal approach. The Rh 2 P/C NCs exhibit remarkable performance for hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction compared to Rh/C and Pt/C catalysts. The atomic structure of the Rh 2 P NCs was directly observed by annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, which revealed a phosphorus-rich outermost atomic layer. Combined experimental and computational studies suggest that surface phosphorus plays a crucial role in determining the robust catalyst properties.
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b01376
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, University of Pittsburgh, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, Tsinghua National Laboratory for Information Science and Technology, Office of Science, Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation, Basic Energy Sciences, Biological and Environmental Research, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering
OpenAlex ID: W2600851065