Porous Ni2P/C microrods derived from microwave-prepared MOF-74-Ni and its electrocatalysis for hydrogen evolution reaction

Hexagonal micro-rods of MOF-74-Ni have been synthesized through a facile and ultrafast (2 min) microwave-assisted approach, which was then utilized as a precursor for preparation of porous Ni2P/C composite. The as-prepared Ni2P/C exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with a low onset potential of −94 mV, long-term stability (>24 h), and a Tafel slope of 113.2 mV dec−1. The high performance was ascribed to large surface area owing to the porous structure, intrinsically high electrocatalytic activity of Ni2P, as well as high electrical conductivity from the carbon component.