MoP nanosheets supported on biomass-derived carbon flake: One-step facile preparation and application as a novel high-active electrocatalyst toward hydrogen evolution reaction

Searching for Pt-free hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts based on low-cost and earth-abundant materials is a crucial task for hydrogen-based energy industry. In this work, we demonstrate the one-step facile preparation of MoP nanosheets supported on carbon flake via a solid-state reaction with the use of (NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O, NaH2PO4·2H2O and a biomass, sodium alginate, as Mo, P and C sources, respectively. When used as a novel HER electrocatalyst, such composites are excellent in activity and durability in acidic electrolytes. Moreover, they are also active in neutral electrolytes.