Interface engineering of N, P and S-doped hollow/porous Co3O4@Co3V2O8 heterostructure nanocube for high-activity supercapacitor and oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

Cobalt-based materials exhibit high theoretical specific capacitance and desirable electrocatalytic activity. However, their practical specific capacitance and electrocatalytic activity are significantly constrained by a lack of active sites and limited conductivity. Herein, N, P and S-doped hollow Co3O4@Co3V2O8 heterostructure nanocube is reasonably constructed via in-situ ion exchange method combined with calcination strategy. Besides, the relationship of heterogeneous interface and heteroatom doping on electrochemical performance is explored. The heterogeneous interface provides rich active sites and accelerates electron transfer. Additionally, N, P, and S-doping regulate the internal electronic structures, boost ion transfer rates, and increase active sites. The hollow structure accelerates the adsorption and desorption processes due to the increased electrochemical reaction sites. Benefiting from internal electronic structure and structural advantages, N, P, S-Co3O4@Co3V2O8 exhibits low overpotentials (561 mV and 649 mV at the current density of 50 mA/cm2 and 100 mA/cm2), low Tafel slopes (100.9 mV/dec), prospective specific capacitance (550.2 F/g) and outstanding charge/discharge behavior with remarkable life span. N, P, S-Co3O4@Co3V2O8 based device delivers favorable energy density (21.3 Wh/kg at 802.3 W/kg), which surpasses most of the latest cobalt-based materials. Overall, this work provides novel insights into the development of highly active and durable bifunctional electrode materials.