Co nanoparticles coupling induced high catalytic activity of nitrogen doped carbon towards hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic/alkaline solutions

Abstract

The development of highly-efficient and noble-metal-free catalysts with low cost and high durability for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is of great importance to many energy-related technologies. This work reports that nitrogen-doped carbon coated Co nanoparticles encapsulated in bamboo-like nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (Co@NC/B-NCNTs), synthesized by a simple calcination of Co(NO3)2, melamine and P123, is a promising catalyst for HER in both acidic and alkaline solutions. In acidic solution, the Co@NC/B-NCNTs has the HER onset potential of ∼0 V and only needs an overpotential of 7 mV to drive the current density of 10 mA cm−2. Its HER catalytic activity is very close to that of Pt/C. In alkaline solution, its onset potential and overpotential to drive 10 mA cm−2 are 100 and 182 mV, respectively. Both the values are lower than those of many other catalysts reported. The DFT calculations show electronic coupling between Co nanoparticles and NC layer plays an important role in high catalytic activity of Co@NC/B-NCNTs. The Co nanoparticles can change the charge density distribution of the outer NC layer, affecting its properties for hydrogen adsorption and desorption. Additionally, the pyridinic N in the outer NC layer is calculated to be a promising active site for HER.