On the use of methane as a reductant in the synthesis of transition metal phosphides

Molybdenum Phosphide Quantum Dots Encapsulated by P/N-Doped Carbon for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Acid and Alkaline Electrolytes

A facile and eco-friendly strategy is presented for synthesizing novel nanocomposites, with MoP quantum dots (QDs) as cores and graphitic carbon as shells, these nanoparticles are dispersed in a nitrogen and phosphorus-doped porous carbon and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) substrates (MoP@NPC/CNT). The synthesis involves self-assembling reactions to form single-source precursors (SSPs), followed by pyrolysis at 900 °C in an inert atmosphere to obtain MoP@NPC/CNT-900. The presence of carbon layers on the MoP QDs effectively prevents particle aggregation, enhancing the utilization of active MoP species. The optimized sample, MoP@NPC/CNT-900, exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic activity and durability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). It demonstrates a low overpotential of 155 mV at 10 mA cm-2 , a small Tafel slope of 76 mV dec-1 , and sustained performance over 20 hours in 0.5 M H2 SO4 . Furthermore, the catalyst shows excellent activity in 1 M KOH, with a relatively low overpotential of 131 mV and long-term durability under constant current input. The exceptional HER activity can be attributed to several factors: the superior performance of MoP QDs, the large surface area and good conductivity of the carbon substrates, and the synergistic effect between MoP and carbon species.

Novel synthesis of a NiMoP phosphide catalyst in a CH4-CO2 gas mixture

NiMo bimetallic phosphide was synthesized from its corresponding oxidic precursor in a 1 : 1 CH₄ : CO₂ gas mixture for the first time. The in situ synthesized NiMoP phase in the feed for CH₄-CO₂ reforming can exhibit a higher activity compared to the one prepared in H₂.

Molybdenum phosphide as a novel and stable catalyst for dry reforming of methane

A novel MoP catalyst exhibited high coking and oxidation resistance for dry reforming of CH₄with CO₂.

Earth's Phosphides in Levant and insights into the source of Archean prebiotic phosphorus

Natural phosphides--the minerals containing phosphorus in a redox state lower than zero--are common constituents of meteorites but virtually unknown on the Earth. Herein we present the first rich occurrence of iron-nickel phosphides of terrestrial origin. Phosphide-bearing rocks are exposed in three localities in the surroundings of the Dead Sea, Levant: in the northern Negev Desert, Israel and Transjordan Plateau, south of Amman, Jordan. Seven minerals from the ternary Fe-Ni-P system have been identified with five of them, NiP2, Ni5P4, Ni2P, FeP and FeP2, previously unknown in nature. The results of the present study could provide a new insight on the terrestrial origin of natural phosphides--the most likely source of reactive prebiotic phosphorus at the times of the early Earth.

A novel synthetic route to transition metal phosphide nanoparticles

A novel synthetic route was developed to prepare nano-sized and well-dispersed phosphides of transition metals (Mo, Ni, and Co) from their corresponding oxide precursors.

One-step synthesis of nickel and cobalt phosphide nanomaterials via decomposition of hexamethylenetetramine-containing precursors

New hexamethylenetetramine (HMT)-containing precursors were used to prepare well dispersed Ni₂P and Co₂P nanoparticles.

A novel approach to the synthesis of bulk and supported β-Mo2C using dimethyl ether as a carbon source

A pre-heating (PH) reduction route is more effective than a rapid heating (RH) reduction route for carbide synthesis.

Novel synthesis of dispersed molybdenum and nickel phosphides from thermal carbonization of metal- and phosphorus-containing resins

New (Mo,Ni),P-containing resin precursors to dispersed MoP and Ni₂P nanoparticles.

Alternative catalytic materials: carbides, nitrides, phosphides and amorphous boron alloys

Catalysts generated by the addition of carbon, nitrogen or phosphorus to transition metals have interesting properties and potential applications. The addition of carbon, nitrogen or phosphorus can lead to substantial modification of the catalytic efficacy of the parent metal and some carbides and nitrides are claimed to be comparable to noble metals in their behaviour. Amorphous boron transition metal alloys are also a class of interesting catalyst, although their structures and phase composition are more difficult to define. In this critical review, the preparation of these catalysts is described and brief details of their application given. To date, attention has largely centred upon the application of these materials as alternatives for existing catalysts. However, novel approaches towards their utilisation can be envisaged. For example, the extent to which it is possible to utilise the "activated" carbon and nitrogen species within the host lattices of carbides and nitrides, respectively, as a reactant remains largely unexplored (195 references).