Natural multi-channeled wood frameworks for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Developing stable and efficient nonprecious electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is desirable but remains challenging. In this work, a natural wood-based 3D framework was designed to load an amorphous NiP alloy using a simple electroless plating method. The NiP alloy anchored in Poplar wood exhibited the highest HER activity in alkaline solution, with a low overpotential of 83 V at a current density of 10 mA cm(-2) and a small Tafel slope of 73.2 mV dec(-1) compared to the other channeled woods (Faxinus mandshurica wood and Larch wood). This self-supported monolithic NiP/Poplar wood sustained a high current density of similar to 1200 mA cm(-2) for 36 h. These superior electrocatalytic performances greatly depend on both the unique multi-channeled wood structures and the firm interfacial combination between a wood and amorphous NiP alloy. This work offers a new avenue for the design and optimization of transition metal phosphides and natural multi-channeled wood for high electrocatalytic activity and superior cycling durability towards hydrogen generation. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.