Ruthenium-doped Ni5P4 for hydrogen production via water electrolysis

The electrochemical decomposition of water to produce hydrogen using clean energy sources has become a sustainable pathway for hydrogen utilization, with efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts crucial for high energy conversion efficiency. Nickel phosphide is widely utilized in the electrocatalytic HER owing to its unique electronic properties, efficient electrocatalytic performance, and excellent corrosion resistance. However, the HER activity of nickel–phosphide electrocatalysts remains low, necessitating further research for practical applications. This paper introduces a method for preparing Ru-doped Ni 5 P 4 , including the mechanism of the HER, the preparation of Ru@Ni 5 P 4 , and its performance in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The preparation methods for the Ru@Ni 5 P 4 electrocatalyst were classified, with a focus on the preparation techniques and research progress regarding its HER activity. The HER activities of the pure Ni 5 P 4 , Ru@Ni 5 P 4 , and 10 wt.% Pt/C electrodes were compared based on experimental indicators such as the overpotential and Tafel slope at a specific current density.