Single source precursor route for the first graphene oxide–Pd₆P nanocomposite: application in electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

For the first time, Pd₆P has been synthesised using a simple, straightforward and one-pot method <i>i.e.</i>, thermolysis of a Pd(II) complex of a bidentate (P, N) organophosphorus ligand (anthracene-9-yl-CHN-CH₂CH₂-PPh₂). The electrocatalyst (obtained after grafting nanospheres of Pd₆P over layers of graphene oxide) shows high activity in electrochemical hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) with an overpotential of 133 mV to drive 10 mA cm^-2 of cathodic current density. The GO-Pd₆P nanocomposite is robust and effective for a continuous HER run for up to 16 hours.