Transition metal phosphides are emerging as an underappreciated class of catalytic materials, initially sparking interest for hydro-desulfurization of fossil fuels, but recently discovered to also be highly active for water-splitting (oxidation and reduction). 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, and that yield low-polydispersity samples, are needed. In this presentation, the synthesis of bimetallic manganese, ruthenium and rhodium phosphide nanoparticles M2-xMnxP (M = Fe, Co) and M2-xM’xP (M = Co, Ni; M’ = Ru, Rh) 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.

Transition metal phosphide nanoparticles: Novel (pre)catalysts for water splitting

255th National Meeting (2018)

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