Induction of Co 2 P Growth on a MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x )-Modified Self-Supporting Electrode for Efficient Overall Water Splitting

It still is a challenge to create a superior and easily coupled bifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting impelled by a low voltage. In this work, the controlled growth of Co 2 P NAs on the surface of a MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x )-modified self-supporting electrode is demonstrated as a competent and reliable bifunctional electrocatalyst for efficient water splitting. The heterointerface in Co 2 P@Ti 3 C 2 T x with an optimized adsorption free energy of H*, H 2 O, and better conductivity can give enhanced HER (hydrogen evolution reaction) activity, with a low overpotential (42 mV) at 10 mA cm –2 . Additionally, the OER (oxygen evolution reaction) activity has also been similarly strengthened by the synergy of Co 2 P and MXene with an overpotential of 267 mV to arrive at 10 mA cm –2 . Furthermore, the excellent bifunctional electrode (Co 2 P@Ti 3 C 2 T x ∥Co 2 P@Ti 3 C 2 T x ) exhibits efficient engineering water-splitting performance (1.46 V@10 mA cm –2 ) in alkaline solution. This simple design can propose a promising approach to exploit precious-metal-free catalysts for energy conversion.