Amorphous nickel phosphide as a noble metal-free cathode for electrochemical dechlorination

Nickel phosphide (Ni2P) is an emerging efficient catalyst for the hydrogen evolution and water splitting. Herein, we report that Ni2P is also a promising catalyst for enhancing electrochemical dechlorination of chlorinated disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Amorphous Ni2P (ANP) mini-nanorod arrays were in-situ fabricated on nickel foam (NF) via a facile phosphidation process, and then used as a binder-free cathode for electrochemical dechlorination of trichloroacetic acid (TCAA). Results showed that ANP exhibited superior performance on electrochemical dechlorination of TCAA than other metal cathodes (e.g., NF and Pd/C). Scavenging experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) technique indicated that atomic H* was generated from water reduction through ANP catalysis, and primarily contributed to TCAA dechlorination. Indeed, the superhydrophilic surface of ANP favored electrocatalyst/electrolyte contact, and its low impedance further afforded rapid electron transport from the electrode to water or protons for atomic H* generation. The kinetic modelling and mass balance evaluation revealed the transformation mechanism of TCAA dechlorination. This study is among the first to develop ANP as a binder-free cathode for electrochemical dechlorination, and have important implications for eliminating chlorinated DBPs in water. [Display omitted] •ANP, a noble metal-free cathode, exhibited superior efficiency than Pd/C.•The atomic H* was primarily responsible for TCAA dechlorination.•Superhydrophilic surface of ANP accelerated H* formation in a wide pH range.•Stepwise and concerted pathway accomplished dechlorination of TCAA to AA.•ANP showed high reusability for dechlorination.