Single source precursor route for the first graphene oxide-Pd 6 P nanocomposite: application in electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction.

For the first time, Pd 6 P has been synthesised using a simple, straightforward and one-pot method i.e. , thermolysis of a Pd(II) complex of a bidentate (P, N) organophosphorus ligand (anthracene-9-yl-CHN-CH 2 CH 2 -PPh 2 ). The electrocatalyst (obtained after grafting nanospheres of Pd 6 P over layers of graphene oxide) shows high activity in electrochemical hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) with an overpotential of 133 mV to drive 10 mA cm -2 of cathodic current density. The GO-Pd 6 P nanocomposite is robust and effective for a continuous HER run for up to 16 hours.