CoS2/N-doped carbon nanotubes hollow polyhedron derived from core-shell ZIF-8@ZIF-67 for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

Among various hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts, cobalt disulfide (CoS2) has attracted extensive attention due to its abundant sources, favorable electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic activity. Herein, CoS2-embedded nitrogen-doping carbon nanotubes with hollow polyhedron (CoS2/NCNHP) derived from [email protected] was synthesized and functioned as an HER electrocatalyst. Carbon materials from the pyrolysis of [email protected] effectively retained porous structures of the zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, resulting in a high specific surface area to provide a carrier for the loading of the CoS2 nanoparticles, while the generation of N-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) further enhanced the electrical conductivity of the substrate. In addition, the favorable electrochemical properties were facilitated by the synergistic effect between CoS2 and NCNTs. Therefore, the material, CoS2/NCNHP, was electrochemically tested under acidic conditions, showing the overpotential was only 144 mV at the current density of 100 mA·cm−2, and the current density remained 89.6% after a long electrolysis period of 24 h. The synthetic strategy for the controlled design of MOF-derived materials affords a new pathway in developing commercial electrocatalysts.