Insight into Mn and Ni doping of Ni1-xMnxPS3 and Mn1-xNixPS3 nanosheets on electrocatalytic hydrogen and oxygen evolution activity

Recently reported transition metal phosphosulfide (MPS 3 or MPS) nanosheets (NSs) demonstrated outstanding activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and proper doping of a second transition metal might even enhance the catalytic activity. By considering the oxophilicity of the doping element, here we demonstrate the Mn (with higher oxophilicity) and Ni (with lower oxophilicity) doping of Ni 1- x Mn x PS 3 and Mn 1- x Ni x PS 3 NSs on their HER and OER activity in alkaline solution. It is found that non-substituted NiPS 3 NSs show better catalytic activity than their Mn-doped samples. On the contrary, Ni doping into MnPS 3 NSs significantly improves the electrocatalytic performance. This work may substantially expand the understanding of the role of elemental oxophilicity on the electrochemical water splitting activities of Ni/Mn based catalysts.