Anchoring three-dimensional network structured Ni–P nanowires on reduced graphene oxide and their enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation

• Anchoring 3D network structured Ni–P nanowires on reduced graphene oxide.
• One-pot solvothermal method for synthesis of Ni–P/graphene composite.
• Ni–P nanowires are ready to be assembled to urchin-like microspheres.
• Ni–P/graphene exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation.

A simple approach has been developed for anchoring three-dimensional network structured Ni–P nanowires on reduced graphene oxide (GO) via a one-pot solvothermal method. Both the reduction of GO and deposition of Ni–P nanowires are achieved by introducing NaH2PO2·H2O in the reaction medium. Without GO in the reaction system, Ni–P nanowires are ready to be assembled to urchin-like microspheres. The hybrid electrode of Ni–P nanowires/reduced GO composite exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of methanol in alkaline solution compared with the bare urchin-like Ni–P microspheres, which is attributed to the larger surface area and improved conductivity resulting from the introduction of graphene sheets.

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