Advancement and challenges on nickel phosphides (Ni2P)-based co-catalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen production via water splitting

• Published in: Journal of Alloys and Compounds Communications Vol. 6; p. 100058
• Main Authors: Umaru, Dahiru, Hafeez, Hafeez Yusuf, Mohammed, J., Suleiman, Abdussalam Balarabe, Ndikilar, Chifu E., Zakariyya, Yusuf
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.05.2025
• Subjects: Hydrothermal methods; Photocatalytic hydrogen production; Synthesis of Ni2P-based co-catalyst; Photocatalytic hydrogen production; Hydrothermal methods; Synthesis of Ni2P-based co-catalyst
• ISSN: 2950-2845; 2950-2845
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jacomc.2025.100058

Hydrogen is a potential fuel to replace fossil fuels due to its several advantages such as low cost, clean and renewable, zero-emission, and high energy density content (around 142 MJ/Kg). However, producing solar fuel through photocatalytic water-splitting has emerged as the most viable solution to the global energy crisis. Numerous techniques are available for hydrogen production, one of the best methods for water splitting is using semiconductor-based photocatalysts. Yet, many findings show that Ni2P as photocatalysts are accompanied by many practical problems due to the exhibition of lower photocatalytic activity, susceptibility to oxidation, and inadequate stability. Ni2P is considered a hopeful co-catalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production. Nevertheless, the influence on the activity of H2 generation with the Ni2P-based co-catalyst remains unclear and as such is a subject of investigation. This review would likely investigate the effect of Ni2P-based co-catalysts with different semiconductor materials for photocatalytic H2 production. Despite the drawbacks of using Ni2P as a main catalyst, Ni2P has been widely used as a co-catalyst. Over the years, Ni2P has been extensively investigated among the various transition metal phosphides (TMPs) by creating ternary heterojunctions coupling with other photocatalysts. This ascribed to it favorable properties such as narrow band gap, excellent conduction band, long-term stability, charge carrier inhibition, and chemical stability. These properties enable it to modify the chemical and structural properties of the various photocatalysts. The review highlights the synthesis process of Ni2P-based co-catalysts and their impact on morphology. It underscores the potential of Ni2P as a promising co-catalyst among various options, particularly its role as an electron bridge to enhance photocarriers separation for H2 production. Additionally, the concepts of S-scheme and Z-scheme are revisited. This review aims to inspire researchers to deepen their understanding of the significance of Ni2P-based co-catalysts for solar-driven H2 production, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits. •Methods of Ni2P-based cocatalyst synthesis were critically reviewed.•A full discussion of photocatalytic hydrogen production was reviewed.•A construction of a heterojunction that promotes carrier separation/transport through a suitable potential was discussed.•A possible solution to photocatalytic H2 production via loading of Ni2P-based cocatalyst stability was reviewed.