Novel nanowire catalyst could help advance hydrogen production technology

Stephanie Baum
scientific editor

Robert Egan
associate editor

Researchers at Beijing University of Technology have developed a new type of acid-stable bimetallic phosphide-silver core-shell nanowire catalyst that significantly improves the efficiency of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
Their findings, in Frontiers in Energy, offer promising insights into advancing hydrogen production technologies.
Hydrogen production through proton exchange membrane water electrolysis is a crucial step toward sustainable energy solutions. However, the development of cost-effective and efficient electrocatalysts that can withstand acidic conditions remains a significant challenge. Traditional non-noble metal catalysts often fall short in performance and durability when exposed to harsh acidic environments.
The study introduces a novel catalyst composed of nickel-cobalt phosphide (NiCoP) wrapped around silver nanowires (Ag NWs) to create a seamless, conductive core-shell structure. This design facilitates efficient electron transfer and increases the surface area accessible to electrolytes and provides a large electrolyte-accessible surface area for mass transport, which enhances the HER efficiency.
The NiCoP@Ag NWs catalyst shows remarkable performance with a low overpotential of 109 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm2, outperforming other similar catalysts, such as Ni2P@Ag NWs and Co2P@Ag NWs, which require higher overpotentials of 144 mV and 174 mV, respectively. The catalyst also demonstrated excellent durability, maintaining performance for over 100 hours in acidic media.
The researchers employed a synthesis process that creates a seamlessly conductive core-shell structure by wrapping acid-stable bimetallic phosphide (NiCoP) around silver nanowires. This method ensures the creation of a consistently conductive network that optimizes electron flow and enhances the catalytic activity of the material.
This research could revolutionize hydrogen production by providing a more efficient and durable catalyst for HER in acidic conditions. The findings have potential implications for the industrialization of hydrogen production, offering a pathway to more sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions. The enhanced durability and performance of the NiCoP@Ag NWs catalyst could lead to significant advancements in clean energy technologies, possibly influencing future policies and industrial practices in hydrogen production.
Future research will focus on optimizing the catalyst's properties and exploring its applications in different energy production processes.
More information: Hang Yu et al, Acid-stable bimetallic phosphide-silver core-shell nanowires with a seamlessly conductive network for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction, Frontiers in Energy (2025).
Provided by Frontiers in Energy