Synthesis of transition-metal phosphides from oxidic precursors by reduction in hydrogen plasma

A series of transition metal phosphides, including MoP, WP, CoP, Co2P, and Ni2P, were synthesized from their oxidic precursors by means of hydrogen plasma reduction under mild conditions. The effects of reduction conditions, such as metal to phosphorus molar ratio, power input, and reduction time, on the synthesis of metal phosphides were investigated. The products were identified by means of XRD characterization. It is indicated that metal phosphides were readily synthesized stoichiometrically from their oxides in hydrogen plasma under mild conditions.