Carbothermal shock synthesis of FeCoNiPtRu high-entropy alloy for dual-function water splitting in alkaline media

The development of dual-function catalysts with high activity and durability is essential in overall water splitting applications. In this work, FeCoNiPtRu HEA was rapidly synthesized on carbon support by carbothermal shock process. The synergistic interaction among metal elements enhanced the catalytic activity. The catalyst demonstrated overpotentials of 104 mV for HER and 331 mV for OER at 10 mA cm−2. In addition, FeCoNiPtRu HEA was aimed on carbon paper and the nanoparticles were encapsulated by a carbon layer with a stability of up to 100 h. Finally, as a dual-function catalyst, when applied as both the cathode and anode in overall water splitting (OWS), FeCoNiPtRu demonstrated a voltage of 1.69 V at 10 mA cm−2. This work demonstrates the significant potential of high-entropy alloy catalysts in hydrogen production through overall water splitting. •FeCoNiPtRu bifunctional catalyst was synthesized on carbon paper using the carbothermal shock method.•The synergistic effect of the high-entropy alloy improved and optimized the electrochemical performance of the catalyst.•The stability and oxidation resistance of the catalyst were promoted by aiming the high-entropy alloy on the carbon paper.•It represented excellent catalytic activity in the overall water splitting (η10 =1.69 V).