Study of the effect of transition metal addition on physicochemical and electrochemical properties of cellulose-nickel phosphide composite

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a key process in water splitting, enabling the production of clean hydrogen energy. Transition metal phosphides, particularly nickel phosphide (Ni₂P), have garnered attention as potential electrocatalysts for OER due to their high conductivity and catalytic activity. In this study, we present an approach to enhance the electrochemical performance of Ni₂P by incorporating iron, manganese, and nickel into its structure and depositing the composite on a carbon platform. Among the synthesized materials, the cel_Ni₂P_10Fe composite exhibited superior OER activity, achieving a low overpotential of 291 mV at 10 mA·cm⁻² and a Tafel slope of 120 mV·dec⁻¹, along with excellent stability. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed reduced charge transfer resistance compared to a RuO₂ reference catalyst, indicating improved catalytic efficiency. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization confirmed that the incorporation of iron promotes charge transfer processes and enhances the exposure of active catalytic sites. These findings provide valuable insights into designing cost-effective and high-performance electrocatalysts, advancing sustainable hydrogen production technologies.