Mesoporous Ni-P nanocatalysts for alkaline urea electrooxidation

•The solvothermally synthesized mesoporous Ni-P nanocatalysts were used for alkaline urea electrooxidation.•The Ni-P nanocatalysts exhibited higher activity and stability than the Ni nanocatalysts.•The structural effect of porous nanowire surface led to the superior activity.•The electronic effect between Ni and P resulted in the enhanced stability.