<p>Hydrogen production via alkaline water electrolysis
is of significant interest. However, the additional water dissociation step
makes the Volmer step a relatively more sluggish kinetics and consequently
leads to a slower reaction rate than that in acidic solution. Herein, we
demonstrate an effective strategy that Co(OH)<sub>2</sub> can promote the
Volmer process by accelerating water dissociation and enhance the
electrocatalytic performance of CoP toward alkaline hydrogen evolution
reaction. The Co(OH)<sub>2</sub> nanoplates are electrochemically induced
in-situ generated to form a nanotree-like structure with porous CoP nanowires,
endowing the hybrid electrocatalyst with superior charge transportation, more
exposed active sites, and enhanced reaction kinetics. This strategy may be
extended to <a></a><a>other phosphides and chalcogenides </a>and
provide insight into the design and fabrication of efficient alkaline HER
catalysts.</p>