One-step synthesis of Co2P/N-P co-doped porous carbon composites derived from soybean derivatives as acidic and alkaline HER electrocatalysts

Developing inexpensive and efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in both acidic and alkaline mediums is of great significance to the hydrogen energy industry. Hereby, we prepared a mixture of precursors with homogeneous composition by using the chelating ability of soybean protein isolate (C and N source) and phytic acid (dopant and phosphating agent) with cobalt ions, and achieved one-step synthesis and construction of Co 2 P/N–P co-doped porous carbon composite by carbonization at 800 °C. The as-synthesized Co 2 P/NPPC-800 electrocatalyst exhibits low HER overpotentials of 121 and 125 mV at 10 mA cm −2 in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 and 1.0 M KOH, which are close to those of the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Additionally, the NPPC substrate surrounding the Co 2 P could diminish the corrosion during the HER, and Co 2 P/NPPC-800 displays good stability and durability. Furthermore, this work offers a convenient synthesis strategy for phosphide/doped porous carbon composites in other electrochemical energy technologies. • A new strategy achieved Co 2 P/N–P co-doped porous carbon composite. • The obtained Co 2 P/NPPC exhibited good catalytic HER in alkaline and acidic mediums. • The anchoring of Co 2 P on the NPCC was beneficial for the stability and durability. • The synthesis strategy was cost-effective, simple, eco-friendly and referenceable.