Au/Ni12P5 core/shell single-crystal nanoparticles as oxygen evolution reaction catalyst

We have demonstrated the improved performance of oxygen evolution reactions（OER） using Au/nickel phosphide （Ni12P5） core/shell nanoparticles （NPs） underbasic conditions. NPs with a Ni12Ps shell and a Au core, both of which havewell-defined crystal structures, have been prepared using solution-based syntheticroutes. Compared with pure NiuP5 NPs and Au-Ni12P5 oligomer-like NPs, thecore/shell crystalline structure with Au shows an improved OER activity. Itaffords a current density of 10 mA/cm2 at a small overpotential of 0.34 V, in 1 MKOH aqueous solution at room temperature. This enhanced OER activity mayrelate to the strong structural and effective electronic coupling between thesingle-crystal core and the shell.