One-step novel synthesis of Co2P/CoP and its hydrogen evolution reaction performance in alkaline media

Electrochemical water electrolysis is an efficient important way to produce hydrogen. In this work, durable and low-cost Co2P/CoP was synthesized by a facile one-step calcination reaction. Subsequently, Co2P/CoP was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microcopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). To evaluate the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity, Co2P/CoP was measured by electrochemical tests. Co2P/CoP exhibited excellent HER performance with a small overpotential of 196 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a smaller Tafel slope of 53 mV dec−1 in alkaline media. Moreover, Co2P/CoP exhibited superior stability with long-term operation of 24 h. •Co2P/CoP was synthesized by a one-step calcination reaction.•It could enhance the HER activity.•It shows excellent stability with long-term operation of 24 h.