A versatile route to synthesizing bulk and supported nickel phosphides by thermal treatment of a mechanical mixing of nickel chloride and sodium hypophosphite

Bulk and supported nickel phosphides were prepared by thermal treatment of a mechanical mixing of nickel chloride and sodium hypophosphite in a flowing N2. The samples were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma. The effect of different aspects on the Ni2P formation was primarily investigated. A rational mechanism was proposed for the selective formation of Ni2P. SiO2-supported Ni2P exhibits excellent hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity for dibenzothiophene (DBT).

Graphical AbstractA solid-phase reaction of sodium hypophosphite with bulk and supported metal salts (NiCl2 · 6H2O) provides a versatile route to nickel phosphides. SiO2-supported Ni2P exhibits excellent hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity for dibenzothiophene (DBT).Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► Bulk and supported nickel phosphides were prepared by thermal treatment of a mechanical mixing of nickel chloride and sodium hypophosphite.
► The operation is therefore simple and the conditions are mild.
► Other metal salts may be used in the method to synthesize corresponding metal phosphides.
► Supported Ni2P exhibits excellent hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity for dibenzothiophene (DBT).