Transition metal phosphides are of considerable research interest for the wide range of catalytic functions they imbue. These include hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of fossil fuels, hydrodeoxygenation of biofuels, and electrocatalytic water splitting reactions, among others. The functionality of the phosphide is sensitively dependent on composition and structure; thus, Ni2P is highly active for HDS, whereas Ni12P5 and other Ni-P phases are less so, and Ni1.92Co0.08P is more active than Ni2P. In order to better understand the roles of structure, electronics, and surface chemistry on catalytic activity and stability, synthetic methods that enable composition, structure, and size to be targeted as low-polydispersity samples are needed. In this presentation, the synthesis of bimetallic manganese and ruthenium phosphide nanoparticles M2-xMnxP (M = Fe, Co) and M2-xRuxP (M = Co, Ni) will be described and their composition-dependent activity for electrocatalytic water oxidation presented. The role of structure, site occupancy, and electronic considerations on functionality will be discussed in the context of designing more active and stable electrocatalysts.

Tuning catalytic activity in bimetallic transition metal phosphide nanoparticles via composition control

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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