Preparation and properties of three-dimensional dendritic NiCuP-supported nickel foam catalysts

Hydrogen production by electrolysis of water is a very promising technology but is still limited by catalyst activity and/or catalyst poisoning after catalysis. Therefore, finding new catalysts is highly desirable. In this study, NiCuP-supported nickel foam (NiCuP/NF) catalyst was prepared by the hydrothermal method. The phase structure, morphology, and electrochemical catalytic performance of NiCuP/NF composite catalyst were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemistry. The three-dimensional dendritic NiCuP/NF catalyst prepared by hydrothermal synthesis at 140 degrees C for 18 h showed uniform grain distribution. The catalyst was mainly composed of crystalline metal nickel, crystalline Ni2P, and crystalline Cu3P. The electrochemical characterization of the NiCuP/NF electrode displayed overpotentials of 149 and 261 mV at the current densities of 10 and 100 mA center dot cm(-2), respectively. A lower value than that of the blank carrier electrode. The Nyquist plots obtained from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed significantly smaller charge transfer resistance Rct of the NiCuP/NF electrode than that of the blank electrode. As the resistance became smaller, the charge transfer rate became larger, leading to better electrocatalysis. The formation of 3 D dendritic morphology NiCuP/NF catalyst increased the number of active sites, thereby greatly improving the hydrogen evolution efficiency.