Self-supported MoO2-MoO3/Ni2P hybrids as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for energy-saving hydrogen generation via urea–water electrolysis

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science 2022-05, Vol.614, p.337-344
• Main Authors: Hu, Lei, Jin, Liujun, Zhang, Tingyu, Zhang, Jianhua, He, Jinghui, Chen, Dongyun, Li, Najun, Xu, Qingfeng, Lu, Jianmei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electrocatalyst; Electronic modulation; Heteroatom doping; Hydrogen evolution reaction; Morphology
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.01.129

[Display omitted] •A novel and efficient, MoO2-MoO3/Ni2P nanoflowers electrode was developed.•The MoO2-MoO3/Ni2P/NF electrode exhibits superior activity toward both UOR and HER.•Only a cell voltage of 1.39 V is required to the current density of 100 mA cm−2.•Paves the way for the development of systems for the urea-containing wastewater purification and simultaneous hydrogen generation. The electronic modulation and morphology control of electrocatalysts are effective strategies to improve their catalytic performance. Herein, MoO2-MoO3/Ni2P nanoflowers were fabricated on the skeleton of conductive nickel foam as an electrocatalyst with enhanced performance via a universal hydrothermal and phosphating method. The introduction of P and Mo into the nickel-based catalyst through the co-doping strategy effectively adjusted the electronic structure of the Ni active sites, thereby significantly improving the performance of the catalyst. Particularly, the introduction of Mo allowed adjusting the morphology of the material, thereby increasing the electrochemical active area and promoting the exposure of more active sites. This strategy for improving the electrocatalyst’s performance in urea-assisted water splitting will provide a new concept for the simultaneous mitigation of the energy crisis and environmental contamination.