Nanostructured Ni2P-Ni5P4/NF heterostructure composite: Construction and electrocatalysis performance for efficient hydrogen evolution through water electrolysis

To develop low-cost, highly efficient, and stable non-precious metal-based catalysts for providing cost-competitive hydrogen energy, a nanostructured Ni2P-Ni5P4/NF heterostructure catalyst is prepared using one-step electrodeposition method and low-temperature phosphorization process. The effects of electrodeposition time on the morphology and HER performance of the Ni2P-Ni5P4/NF electrocatalyst are discussed in detail. The Ni2P-Ni5P4/NF-450 requires a potential of only 112 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2, with a Tafel slope of 86.21 dec−1, demonstrating excellent HER catalytic activity. Meanwhile, the Ni2P-Ni5P4/NF-450 maintains a stable hydrogen evolution rate and nearly 100 % Faradaic efficiency (FE) across a wide current density range. Additionally, this catalyst exhibits excellent long-term stability and durability over 50 h. The superior HER performance is primarily attributed to the high electrochemical active surface area from its unique nanostructure and the strong electronic interactions between Ni2P and Ni5P4. This work indicates that the as-prepared Ni2P-Ni5P4/NF heterostructure catalyst with enhanced HER activity provides valuable insight for the development of high-activity and cost-effective catalysts for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution applications.