F-CuCoP nanoarrays decorated with Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles for boosted electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

[Display omitted] •The favourable synergistic interaction between CuCoP and Ni(OH)2 is beneficial to HER process.•Unique nanoarrays with large surface area facilitate penetration of catalyst into electrolyte.•F-CuCoP/Ni(OH)2/NF catalyst presents low overpotential and good stability in alkaline range. To design rationally and manufacture controllably electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) based on abundant elements of the earth is a critical, urgent and necessary. Herein, a unique nano-architecture consisted of Ni hydroxide and CuCoP supported on nickel foam (F-CuCoP/Ni(OH)2/NF) has been prepared as a highly efficient HER electrocatalyst by simple hydrothermal, calcination and electrodeposition method. Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles are attached onto CuCoP nanowires and nanosheets via the electrodeposition process. The resulting F-CuCoP/Ni(OH)2/NF exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performance for HER with an overpotential as low as 105 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline electrolyte. After 12 h of stability test, the electrode shows a favorable electrocatalytic capability and stability. This particular combination of the means is expectantly conduce to progress of energy.