Synthesis of Ni2P/Ni12P5 composite for a highly efficient hydrogen production from formaldehyde solution

A series of nickel phosphide were synthesized by a simple solid phosphidation reaction and used as catalysts for H2 production from formaldehyde solution. It is found that by changing the molar ratio of Ni and P in the raw materials, the composition, size and morphology of the catalyst can be adjusted. The bi-phase Ni2P/Ni12P5 composite exhibits enhanced catalytic activity as compared to that of pure Ni2P. When the molar ratio of Ni to P is 1:0.5, Ni2P/Ni12P5 composite exhibits the superior H2 production activity with a rate of 510 mL/h at room temperature, which is 8.5 times as high as that of pure Ni2P. The possible mechanism of the reaction was discussed.