Programmable Synthesis of Multimetallic Phosphide Nanorods Mediated by Core/Shell Structure Formation and Conversion

Abstract

Generalized synthetic strategies for nanostructures with well-defined physical dimensions and broad-range chemical compositions are at the frontier of advanced nanomaterials design, functionalization, and application. Here, we report a composition-programmable synthesis of multimetallic phosphide CoMP_<i>x</i> nanorods (NRs) wherein M can be controlled to be Fe, Ni, Mn, Cu, and their binary combinations. Forming Co₂P/MP_<i>x</i> core/shell NRs and subsequently converting them into CoMP_<i>x</i> solid-solution NRs through thermal post-treatment are essential to overcome the obstacle of morphology/structure inconsistency faced in conventional synthesis of CoMP_<i>x</i> with the different M compositions. The resultant CoMP_<i>x</i> with uniform one-dimensional (1-D) structure provides us a platform to unambiguously screen the M synergistic effects in improving the electrocatalytic activity, as exemplified by the oxygen evolution reaction. This new approach mediated by core/shell nanostructure formation and conversion can be extended to other multicomponent nanocrystal systems (metal alloy, mixed oxide, and chalcogenide, etc.) for diverse applications.