Research progress on controlled synthesis of noble metal phosphides toward electrocatalytic water splitting

Electrochemical water decomposition is considered to be an environmentally friendly and efficient nonpolluting hydrogen production method. The key to improving its anode oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and cathode hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is to construct an efficient electrocatalyst. In recent years, researchers have devoted to the development of various excellent electrocatalysts. Among them, noble metal phosphides have shown great prospects due to their outstanding catalytic activity, universal pH value applicability, and the reduced cost compared to Pt-based catalysts. This review summarizes the latest development in this research area. Based on the mechanism of electrolyzed water reaction, the main synthesis methods of noble metal phosphides are summarized, and the current application status of noble metal phosphides in electrolyzed water is discussed in detail. Finally, this article summarizes the advantages and challenges of noble metal phosphide electrocatalysts, and discusses possible future development directions in an attempt to provide informative direction for the design and manufacture of new electrocatalysts.