Accordion-like Co-MOF derived heterostructured Co/CoP@PNC as highly efficient electrocatalyst for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction

Transition metal phosphates have proved to be promising electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) of water splitting, however, further increasing their active sites and catalytic activity remains a major challenge. Herein, accordion-like Co-MOF with layered structure was synthesized. After subsequent carbonization and phosphidization, lamellar heterostructured Co/CoP nanocrystals encapsulated in a P, N co-doped C matrix (Co/CoP@PNC) was obtained. Heterojunction provides abundant active sites and improves electron transfer rate. Additionally, the effect of phosphating degree on the electrocatalytic activity was studied. In the alkaline electrolyte, the current density of the optimized Co/CoP@PNC-10 for HER reached 10 mA cm−2 at overpotential of 137 mV in 1.0 M KOH, which was superior to most of transition metal-based electrocatalysts. This work provides new guidance for the design and development of transition metal-based electrocatalysts.