A unique amorphous cobalt-phosphide-boride bifunctional electrocatalyst for enhanced alkaline water-splitting

Chunduri, A, Gupta, S ORCID: 0000-0001-8128-5869, Bapat, O, Bhide, A, Fernandes, R, Patel, MK ORCID: 0000-0002-3214-5752, Bambole, V, Miotello, A and Patel, N (2019) A unique amorphous cobalt-phosphide-boride bifunctional electrocatalyst for enhanced alkaline water-splitting. APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL, 259. p. 118051.

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Abstract

A unique cobalt-phosphide-boride (Co-P-B) catalyst was synthesized via simple chemical-reduction route. The obtained catalyst was amorphous in nature, resembling the spherical morphology of Co-B nanoparticles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that B loses electrons to Co while P gains electrons from Co. This unique electron transfer mechanism in Co-P-B is a combination of the characteristics showcased by Co-B and Co-P catalysts individually. The optimized catalyst (Co-P-B-5) showed overpotentials of 145 mV and 290 mV to achieve the benchmark current density of 10 mA/cm2 for HER and OER, respectively, in 1 M NaOH. From theoretical calculations, it was observed that addition of P modulates the electron density at Co sites, thereby optimizing the H-adsorption capability, leading to higher HER rate. During anodic polarization, Co-P-B-5 shows formation of large number of CoOOH species on its surface, facilitating OER. Finally, stability, recyclability and wide-pH suitability of Co-P-B-5 was established to demonstrate its industrial viability.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Cobalt-phosphide-boride, Non-noble electrocatalyst, Bifunctional water-splitting, H-adsorption energy, Alkaline water electrolysis
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	09 Aug 2019 09:02
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2023 00:36
DOI:	10.1016/j.apcatb.2019.118051
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3051185