Support effect of biomass-derived carbon coated Ni2P catalyst for enhanced hydrogen evolution

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is essential for sustainable H₂ production, yet the development of earth-abundant catalysts with high activity in alkaline media remains challenging. Herein, a biomass-derived porous carbon supported nickel phosphide catalyst (Ni₂P@C) was fabricated using sawdust as a renewable precursor via a sequential carbonization–phosphorization route. The Ni(NO₃)₂·6H₂O concentration and the carbonization temperature were optimized. The carbon support effect regulated the electronic structure of Ni₂P and significantly enhanced the HER catalytic activity. Moreover, the carbon substrate provided abundant anchoring sites for active species and suppressed the aggregation of Ni₂P nanoparticles. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that the carbon support induced interfacial electron redistribution and optimized the d-band center, thus boosting the intrinsic catalytic activity. The as-synthesized Ni₂P@C catalyst delivered a low overpotential of 150   mV for HER and maintained long-term stability over 48   h. This work offers new perspectives for the rational design of sustainable electrocatalysts and underscores the promising application of biomass-derived carbon materials in advanced energy conversion technologies.