Abstract: Disclosed are cathodes comprising a conductive support substrate having an electrocatalyst coating containing nickel phosphide nanoparticles. The conductive support substrate is capable of incorporating a material to be reduced, such as CO2 or CO. A co-catalyst, either incorporated into the electrolyte solution, or adsorbed to, deposited on, or incorporated into the bulk cathode material, provides increased selectivity and activity of the nickel phosphide electrocatalyst. Also disclosed are electrochemical methods for selectively generating hydrocarbon and/or carbohydrate products from CO2 or CO using water as a source of hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed are cathodes comprising a conductive support substrate having a catalyst coating containing nickel phosphide nanoparticles. The conductive support substrate is capable of incorporating a material to be reduced, such as CO2 or CO. Also disclosed are electrochemical methods for generating hydrocarbon and/or carbohydrate products from CO2 or CO using water as a source of hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed are cathodes comprising a conductive support substrate having a catalyst coating including Ni5P4 nanocrystals. The conductive support substrate is capable of incorporating a material to be reduced, such as water or hydrogen cations. Also disclosed are methods for generating hydrogen gas from water via an electrolysis reaction or from the reduction of hydrogen cations, wherein the catalyst is part of a conductive support within a cathode, including (a) placing an anode and the inventive cathode in an electrolyte, (b) placing the anode and cathode in conductive contact with an external source of electricity, (c) providing a source of water to the cathode, and (d) using the external source of electricity to drive an electrolysis reaction at the cathode, whereby the hydrogen gas is generated from water. In certain embodiments, the reaction uses a free catalyst, wherein the catalyst is placed in proximity to the cathode.

Abstract: Disclosed are cathodes comprising a conductive support substrate having a catalyst coating containing nickel phosphide nanoparticles. The conductive support substrate is capable of incorporating a material to be reduced, such as CO2 or CO. Also disclosed are electrochemical methods for generating hydrocarbon and/or carbohydrate products from CO2 or CO using water as a source of hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed are cathodes comprising a conductive support substrate having a catalyst coating including Ni5P4 nanocrystals. The conductive support substrate is capable of incorporating a material to be reduced, such as water or hydrogen cations. Also disclosed are methods for generating hydrogen gas from water via an electrolysis reaction or from the reduction of hydrogen cations, wherein the catalyst is part of a conductive support within a cathode, including (a) placing an anode and the inventive cathode in an electrolyte, (b) placing the anode and cathode in conductive contact with an external source of electricity, (c) providing a source of water to the cathode, and (d) using the external source of electricity to drive an electrolysis reaction at the cathode, whereby the hydrogen gas is generated from water. In certain embodiments, the reaction uses a free catalyst, wherein the catalyst is placed in proximity to the cathode.