Engineering nickel phosphides for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution: A doping perspective

Hydrogen fuel is regarded as the future clean energy alternative to fossil fuels. Water electrolysis has been touted a key technology component in realizing hydrogen economy. The electrocatalytic evolution reaction (HER), fundamental step water electrolysis, therefore subject of immense investigation. In particular, search for low-cost and catalytically active HER electrocatalyst remains at forefront challenges from its practical widespread implementation. Among transition metal-based compounds, nickel phosphides (NixPy) have emerged one most nascent candidates with unique properties unprecedented performances. Motivated by complexity, tunability diversity NixPy structure, doping emerges pivotal effective strategy optimize catalytic activity intrinsic level. Nevertheless, precise impacts on in-so-far elusive. As such, this review aims provide conspectus various approaches expound miscellaneous effects engendered through NixPy. Insights respective nature their corresponding origins mechanistic pathways which promote are distilled. This serves roadmap towards rational design catalyze highly efficient HER.