Self-supported multidimensional Ni–Fe phosphide networks as novel and robust water splitting catalyst

Abstract The water splitting has become one of the most promising hydrogen production methods. The Ni–Fe–P materials were first synthesized and in situ grown on nickel foam by typical hydrothermal and phosphating methods. The Ni–Fe–P-300 catalyst shows excellent water splitting activity (cell voltage of 1.59 V @10 mA cm−2) and stability after phosphating. The results of density functional theory (DFT) demonstrate that the water molecules preferentially adsorbed on the Fe site and Fe might be the real catalytic active site. A series of characterization indicated that a small amount of phosphorus loss was probably caused on the catalyst surface, but the electrocatalytic activity was not affected by the small amount of oxide species formation. This study offers a promising way to design and optimize electrocatalysts for the water splitting in alkaline solution.