Prussian blue analog derived CoP nanoparticles decorated on electrospun carbon nanofibers for efficient hydrogen evolution

Prussian blue analog (PBA) and its derivatives have been widely used as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, their large-scale application is limited by their low conductivity and easy aggregation. In this work, we have successfully decorated well-dispersed PBA-derived CoP nanoparticles on conductive electrospun carbon nanofibers through consecutive assembly, carbonization and phosphorization processes. The introduction of carbon nanofibers improves the conductivity of the catalyst and accelerates the electron transport. The unique nanostructure further optimizes the electrocatalytic performance of the CoP nanoparticles. As a result, the obtained electrocatalyst exhibited excellent HER performance with an overpotential of only 85 mV to achieve the current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH, and showed outstanding stability due to the protection of the carbon shell. Our work could be a guidance for the developing of advanced PBA-based electrocatalysts.