Dual-metal-organic-framework derived CoP/MoP hybrid as an efficient electrocatalyst for acidic and alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

Searching for efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is significantly desirable and challenging. Herein, N, P co-doped carbon-encapsulated CoP/MoP hybrid (CoP/MoP@NPC) is fabricated using dual-metal–organic-framework (dual-MOF) as precursor by a simple one-step phosphating process. When applied as an electrocatalyst toward the HER, the as-designed CoP/MoP@NPC hybrid shows efficiently catalytic performance with a lower overpotential of 183 mV to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2, smaller Tafel slope of 53.3 mV dec-1 as well as long-time stability for 10 h in 0.5 M H2SO4 owing to the distinctive component and structural advantages. Furthermore, the electrode material also displays enhanced electrocatalytic HER activity in alkaline media. Importantly, this work provides an effective and feasible route for the construction of bimetallic phosphide electrocatalysts toward hydrogen production.