Co(OH)2 nanosheets decorated with La-CoP nanorod array for alkaline electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction†

Developing efficient and inexpensive catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is critical for the commercial viability of electrochemical sustainable energy technologies. In this study, a La-CoP/Co(OH)₂ nanoarray supported on nickel foam (NF) was successfully prepared using the secondary hydrothermal and low-temperature phosphating method. The as-prepared La-CoP/Co(OH)₂/NF material exhibited excellent hydrogen evolution performance in 1 M KOH solution. The overpotential of La-CoP/Co(OH)₂/NF was 114 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm⁻², and the Tafel slope was estimated to be 99 mV dec⁻¹. The decoration of Co(OH)₂ nanosheets on La-CoP nanorods with the textured surface not only provides a large surface area and more active sites but also promotes the transfer of electrons between Co(OH)₂ and La-CoP, which accelerates the reaction rate and further improve the HER performance of the composite material. Additionally, the fabricated catalyst exhibits good stability and durability in alkaline media. This approach provides a feasible and effective strategy for exploring electrocatalysts with high efficiency and low prices for the electrolysis of water.