MUMBAI, India, Sept. 14 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641106629 A) filed by Manjunath Krishnappa; Abhishek N. Sinde; Ramakrishnappa Thippeswamy; and Nitte Meenakshi Institute Of Technology, Nitte Deemed To Be University on September 04, 2026, for High-Current-Density Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysts: Metal-Rich Nickel Phosphide/Nickel Phosphate Nanostructures Delivering Ampere-Level Current.

Inventors include Manjunath Krishnappa; Abhishek N. Sinde; Ramakrishnappa Thippeswamy; and Nitte Meenakshi Institute Of Technology, Nitte Deemed To Be University.

The application for the patent was published on September 11, 2026, under issue no. 37/2026.

Abstract: ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION Title: High-Current-Density Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysts: Metal-Rich Nickel Phosphide/Nickel Phosphate Nanostructures Delivering Ampere-Level Current The invention describes a solvent-free, economical, and scalable solid-state pyrolysis method for synthesizing phase-pure nickel phosphide (Ni2P) and nickel phosphate (Ni3(PO4)2) nanostructures suitable for hydrogen evolution reaction applications. The process involves mixing nickel acetate and red phosphorus precursors in a 2:1 molar ratio, grinding the mixture to achieve homogeneity, and subjecting it to thermal treatment in the range of 400 to 950 degrees Celsius under a nitrogen atmosphere in a tubular furnace to produce spherical granular-pore agglomerated nickel phosphide nanostructures. Nickel phosphate nanostructures are prepared by oxidative thermal treatment of the nickel phosphide at 950 degrees Celsius in an oxygen atmosphere in a muffle furnace. The system comprises Ni2P and Ni3(PO4)2 electrocatalysts supported on nickel foam exhibiting an overpotential of approximately 110 mV at 10 mA cm-2, Tafel slope of approximately 82 mV dec-1, charge-transfer resistance of approximately 10 ohm, and ampere-level current density of 1.64 A cm-2. The present invention ensures a cost-effective, noble-metal-free electrocatalyst system that surpasses commercial Pt/C at high current densities for sustainable hydrogen generation.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.