Cobalt Boride Research Articles

Self-hydrolysis of gelatin-coupled boride electrode enabling ultrastability for overall seawater splitting at industrial environment

Highly active, ultrastability, and bifunctional hydrogen/oxygen evolution reaction (HER/OER) electrode is vital to propel the practical application of seawater splitting. Herein, one unique electrode assembled by in situ inserting gelatin polymer into the nickel foam-supported cobalt boride nanoarchitecture (GLT/CoBx@NF) is developed via one-pot mild electroless plating to address the above challenge. It is found that the gelatin not only essentially improves the hydrophilicity of the electrode, but also induces the generation of abundant voids by its self-hydrolysis during alkaline electrolysis, synergistically accelerating the active phase reconstruction and mass diffusion. Benefiting from these merits, the optimized electrode shows overpotentials as low as 200 and 368 mV at 500 mA/cm2 for HER and OER, respectively, together with exceptional durability toward overall alkaline seawater splitting at 1000 mA/cm2 over 2000 h in a real industrial environment (6 M KOH, 333 K). More encouragingly, the proposed strategy can be extended to the insertion of gelatin into other transition metal-based borides (e.g., Ni, Fe) nanoarchitecture on various free-standing substrates (e.g., asbestos, cloth), which also delivers remarkable performance under industrial condition.

Novel design of nickel cobalt boride nanosheets-decorated molybdenum disulfide hollow spheres as efficient battery-type materials of hybrid supercapacitors

Transition metal borides (TMBs) with high theoretical capacitances and excellent electronic properties have attracted much attention as a promising active material of supercapacitors (SCs). However, TMB nanoparticles are prone to conduct self-aggregation, which significantly deteriorates the electrochemical performance and structural stability. To address the severe self-aggregation in TMBs and improve the active material utilization, it is imperative to provide a conductive substrate that promotes the dispersion of TMB during growths. In this work, sheet-like nickel cobalt boride (NCB) was grown on molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) hollow spheres (H-MoS2) by using simple template growth and chemical reduction methods. The resultant NCB/H-MoS2-50 was observed with uniform NCB nanosheets structure on the surface of the H-MoS2 and stronger MB bonding. After optimizing the loading amount of H-MoS2, the optimal composite (NCB/H-MoS2-50) modified nickel foam (NF) exhibits a superior specific capacity (1302 C/g) than that of the NCB electrode (957 C/g) at 1 A/g. Excellent rate capability of 84.8% (1104 C/g at 40 A/g) is also achieved by the NCB/H-MoS2-50 electrode. The extraordinary electrochemical performance of NCB/H-MoS2-50 is credited to the unique nanosheet-covered hollow spheres structure for facilitating ion diffusion and versatile charge storage mechanisms from the pseudocapacitive behavior of H-MoS2 and the Faradaic redox behavior of NCB. Furthermore, a hybrid SC is assembled with NCB/H-MoS2-50 and activated carbon (AC) electrodes (NCB/H-MoS2-50//AC), which operates in a potential window up to 1.7 V and delivers a high energy density of 76.8 W h kg−1 at a power density of 850 W kg−1. A distinguished cycling stability of 93.2% over 20,000 cycles is also obtained for NCB/H-MoS2-50//AC. These findings disclose the significant potential of NCB/H-MoS2-50 as a highly performed battery-type material of SCs.

WO2–N co-doped 2D Carbon nanosheets as multifunctional additives for enhancing the electrochemical hydrogen storage performance of Co2B

Co2B, with its high theoretical hydrogen storage capacity, is a potential solid-state hydrogen storage material. However, its poor cycling life limits its practical application. In this work, in order to improve the cycling stability and reversibility of hydrogen absorption and desorption of Co2B, we propose to use WO2–N–C nanosheets as dopants to mix with Co2B, thereby enhancing its practical performance. Two-dimensional tungsten oxide-nitrogen-carbon (WO2–N–C) nanosheets was syntheized via a liquid-phase approach, using a tungstenate-polydopamine precursor followed by thermal treatment. Subsequently, these WO2–N–C nanosheets were compounded with cobalt boride (Co2B) particles through ball milling at various ratios of 1%, 3%, and 5%, which were confirmed by XRD (X-ray diffraction) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) methods. Employing a comprehensive suite of electrochemical analyses, including corrosion potential measurements, polarization curves, step voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), we found that the incorporation of WO2–N–C significantly enhances the corrosion resistance and electrochemical activity of Co2B. Furthermore, cyclic life tests revealed that the WO2–N–C-doped Co2B composites exhibit superior discharge capacities and capacity retention rates compared to pristine Co2B. Notably, the 3% WO2–N–C-doped Co2B composite demonstrated the optimal electrochemical performance, achieving a maximum discharge specific capacity of 555 mAh g−1 and maintaining 82% of its initial capacity after 50 cycles. Our findings underscore the dual role of WO2–N–C in not only augmenting the surface electrochemical activity of Co2B but also providing a protective surface layer, thereby enhancing its overall electrochemical performance.

Attaining high-rate hydrogen evolution via SILAR deposited bimetallic nickel cobalt boride electrode: Exploring the influence of Ni to Co ratio

For the first time, a bimetallic Nickel Cobalt Boride (NCB) film with varying Ni to Co ratios was synthesized on stainless steel via the SILAR method. The NCB2 film (1:1 ratio) exhibited a mixed phase of metal boride and oxy-hydroxide with a highly porous, flaky-type morphology, while NCB1 (1:3 ratio) and NCB3 (3:1 ratio) showed only oxidized metal phases and agglomerated clusters. EDX confirmed the purity of the samples, and XPS indicated higher oxidation in NCB1 and NCB3 compared to NCB2. For HER, NCB2 showed the lowest overpotential (80 mV) compared to NCB1 (96 mV) and NCB3 (101 mV), and the smallest Tafel slope value (71 mV/dec). HER kinetics followed a Volmer-Heyrovsky mixed reaction path. NCB2 exhibited the highest Cdl value (16.55 mF/cm2) and the largest electrochemical active surface area (413.7 cm2), outperforming NCB1 (333.125 cm2) and NCB3 (205 cm2). At an overpotential of 100 mV, NCB2's TOF value was 8.23 s⁻1, higher than NCB1 (1.4 s⁻1) and NCB3 (1 s⁻1). For OER, NCB2 showed the highest Cdl value (106 mF/cm2) and ECSA value (2650 cm2). The Faradic efficiency of NCB2 was ∼98% after 190 h. Hydrogen evolution rates for NCB1, NCB2, and NCB3 as cathodes were 952 mL/h, 1022 mL/h, and 800.8 mL/h, respectively. In a prototype electrolyzer, NCB2 enhanced the hydrogen evolution rate by 30% in bifunctional mode to 1334.6 mL/h. After 100 h, performance declined by only 2.7% due to surface oxidation and phase changes. This achievement marks a milestone towards low-cost green hydrogen production, achieving the highest rate of hydrogen evolution as ever reported.

Electronic modulation of MOF-derived CoxMnyB nanosheet arrays toward efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for water splitting

The design of robust and efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for total water splitting is of paramount importance for the advancement of sustainable energy conversion technologies. To fully exploit the electrocatalytic capabilities of transition metal borides, we integrate manganese-incorporated cobalt boride (CoxMnyB) nanoarrays derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). CoxMnyB nanosheet arrays exhibit pronounced electronic modulation, indicating superior electrochemical behavior. CoxMnyB can served as a binder-free catalytic electrode, which exhibits bifunctional electrocatalytic activity of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). CoxMnyB demonstrates an overpotential ∼ 277 mV under 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 71 mV dec-1 for HER. It also exhibits optimised OER characteristics, with a potential of 1.54 V at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and the lowest Tafel slope of 62 mV dec-1. CoxMnyB catalysts emerge as promising candidates for bifunctional electrocatalysts in overall water splitting, delivering remarkable and enduring electrocatalytic functionalities. The intricate mechanisms governing the electrocatalytic performance of the CoxMnyB bifunctional catalyst are systematically discussed in relation to nanostructure, conductive behavior, and the covalent bonding nature of metal-metalloid borides. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal a reduced hydrogen binding energy at the catalyst surface and a weakened energy barrier of OOH*. This study suggests a favourable and feasible pathway for deploying metal borides in high-efficiency electrocatalysis and energy storage applications.

A near-infrared/tumor microenvironment dual-responsive cobalt-based material for photothermal/photodynamic/DNA-damaging chemotherapy synergistic therapy and anti-inflammation

The co-ordination properties of biomolecules with metal ions can lead to changes in their structures and functions. This work discloses that cobalt ions (Co2+) can induce structural changes in DNA by coordinating with guanine and inactivate copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) by changing the secondary structure. The Co2+ at high concentrations can suppress cell growth and induce apoptosis. Herein, we fabricate a light and tumor microenvironment (TME) dual-responsive polydopamine-coated cobalt boride (CoB@PDA) as a Co2+-carrying material, NIR-driven photothermal/photodynamic agent, catalase-like nano-enzyme, reactive oxygen species (ROS) moderator, and hydrogen (H2) supplier. CoB@PDA with catalase-like properties can convert the H2O2 at tumor site into O2, ·O2− and 1O2, thus inducing oxidative stress and alleviating tumor hypoxia. Under 808 nm irradiation, CoB@PDA can induce a hyperthermia by photothermal effect and trigger photosensitization of O2 to toxic 1O2, thus achieving the photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) actions. Meanwhile, decomposition of CoB@PDA in the acidic TME releases Co2+ to inhibit the growth of residual tumor cells post phototherapy and H2 to suppress the inflammatory response induced by phototherapy. The complete ablation of solid tumors with no side effects and recurrence indicates that CoB@PDA is promising for cancer therapy, and thus it provides valuable insights for the development of multifunctional antineoplastic agents.

Bio-tribocorrosion resistance of CoB–Co2B and Co2B layers on CoCrMo alloy

Cobalt-based alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo), are known for their high mechanical strength and find extensive applications in the biomedical field such as manufacturing of tools, dental components, and orthopedic implants. The longevity of the CoCrMo alloy in service is intricately linked to its resistance to corrosion and wear. Specifically, tribocorrosion can contribute to material loosening; therefore, it is essential to explore surface treatments for cobalt-based alloys as a means to enhance their wear resistance, ensuring the prolonged durability of the material. This study provides novel insights into the bio-tribocorrosion resistance of the borided CoCrMo alloy when immersed in calf serum, emulating the synovial fluid. Two distinct microstructures of boride layers were examined in this research: (1) a CoB–Co2B layer formed through powder-pack boriding and (2) the borided surface underwent diffusion annealing to completely dissolve the CoB, resulting in a monophasic layer (Co2B). Following the ASTM G119-09 procedure, the total material loss (T), encompassing both material loss due to wear (WC) and corrosion (CW), was determined using a linear reciprocating ball-on-flat tribometer equipped with an electrochemical cell. Test results indicated that the presence of CoB–Co2B and Co2B layers on the CoCrMo alloy increased bio-tribocorrosion resistance approximately 2.4 times and 1.3 times, respectively, compared to the non-treated CoCrMo alloy. A dominant wear regime was observed for the borided surface exposed to diffusion annealing and the non-treated CoCrMo alloy, whereas the borided CoCrMo alloy exhibited a corrosion-wear regime. Clearly, these findings highlight the capability of the cobalt boride layer to improve the performance and extend the service life of the CoCrMo alloy in biomedical applications.

Constructing Crystalline NiCoP@Amorphous Nickel–Cobalt Boride Core–Shell Nanospheres with Enhanced Rate Capability for Aqueous Supercapacitors and Rechargeable Zn-Based Batteries

Constructing Crystalline NiCoP@Amorphous Nickel–Cobalt Boride Core–Shell Nanospheres with Enhanced Rate Capability for Aqueous Supercapacitors and Rechargeable Zn-Based Batteries

A high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor based on morphologically tuned CoB anode and heterostructured graphitic carbon nitride/MoSe2 cathode

Transition metal borides (TMBs) are among the fascinating electrode materials for supercapacitors. TMBs have high theoretical capacity, however the narrow potential window, structural deterioration during redox cycling, and fairly small surface area remains a major limitation. To resolve these, we synthesize cobalt boride (CoB) in different morphologies by initiating the reaction with different precursors namely, zeolitic imidazolic framework-67 (ZIF-67), Co layered hydroxide (SLH), and CoCl2. CoB synthesis from ZIF-67, SLH, and CoCl2 results in nanoflower, nanoplate, and nanowire morphology. CoB in nanowire morphology, shows highest charge storage of 273 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 due to 1D structure that endow plentiful surface area, high conductivity, ample electroactive sites and structural stability. We also engineer layer structure of molybdenum selenide (MoSe2) to favorably expand interlayer distance to enhance atomic surface exposure by successfully inserting graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) nanosheets into adjacent MoSe2 layers. Herein, asymmetric supercapacitor, CoB||gCN/MoSe2 displays a wide potential window of 1.5 V, remarkable energy density of 97.44 Wh kg−1 at 621.3 W kg−1 along with 93 % capacitance retention after 10 k GCD cycles. The research reported here demonstrates the great application potential for the asymmetric devices based on CoB||gCN/MoSe2 for the future of electrochemical charge storage devices.

Phosphorus doping of nickel–cobalt boride to produce a metal–metalloid–nonmetal electrocatalyst for improved overall water splitting

A phosphorus-doped nickel–cobalt boride (P-NCB) electrocatalyst designed based on a unique metal–metalloid–nonmetal configuration results in solitary structures with excellent bifunctional properties for the HER and OER under strongly alkaline conditions.

Amorphous cobalt boride exploring as the first first-row transition-metal-based metallic photocatalyst for efficient water splitting over 800 nm

Semiconductors often have limited photocatalytic water-splitting performances owing to the narrow light absorption and low effective carrier density. In response to these challenges, we report the discovery of metallic amorphous cobalt boride (Co2B) as the first first-row transition metallic photocatalyst. It was prepared via a simple chemical reduction method and performs efficient water splitting spanning the UV, visible light and near-infrared region (NIR) via interband transitions. It achieves bifunctional water splitting activities with H2 evolution rate of 202.3 μmol h−1 g−1 and O2 evolution rate of 74.8 μmol h−1 g−1, superior to the existing (semi-)metallic photocatalysts. The material shows over 1 % apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) and 20 % incident photon to current conversion efficiencies (IPCE) at the NIR region >800 nm. Theoretical and photophysical experimental studies synergistically confirm that the metallic nature with high carrier concentrations and amorphous structure with abundant active sites contribute to the good water splitting performance of Co2B. This research sets the foundation for the utilization of highly efficient transition metal-based metallic photocatalysts in photocatalysis across the entire solar spectrum.

Doping Ni into CoB achieves surface reconstruction to promote efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

The effective advancement of skilled transition metal electrocatalysts is crucial for promoting the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in the process of water splitting. In this context, the integration of nickel (Ni) transition metal atoms into cobalt boride (CoB) is achieved through an electrochemical deposition approach, yielding a remarkably active electrocatalyst termed Ni@CoB for HER. At 10 mA cm−2, the HER overpotential is 63 mV with a Tafel slope of 64.73 mV dec-1. After 50 h of stability testing, there was no significant current decay observed. By employing material characterization techniques and DFT calculations, it has been shown that the incorporation of Ni leads to a surface reconstruction of CoB, thereby decreasing surface aggregation. The catalyst exhibits a uniform spherical porous structure, facilitating enhanced electron transfer. The doped Ni atoms form a bimetallic synergistic effect with Co atoms, not only increasing the stability of interatomic covalent bonds but also enhancing reaction kinetics. This study illuminates the influence of incorporating transition metal atoms into CoB on the activity of HER, presenting a promising strategy for designing high-performance catalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution.

First principles study on high-efficient overall water splitting by anchoring cobalt boride with transition metal atoms

Developing efficient, low-cost electrocatalysts is of great significance for improving the efficiency of water electrolysis. In this work, the structure, electronic properties, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of transition metal-doped cobalt boride (TM@CoB) were thoroughly investigated using density functional theory. Ni@CoB and Cu@CoB exhibited excellent catalytic activity for HER. Specifically, Ni@CoB demonstrated a ΔGH* value of 0.0537 eV, surpassing the most commonly used Pt catalyst. The reaction mechanism followed the Heyrovsky mechanism, and it also showed good OER activity, making it a potential candidate for OER electrocatalysts. Compared to the original CoB, Ni@CoB showed a 70 % improvement in HER activity and a 65 % improvement in OER activity. The Ni@CoB catalyst was synthesized, and its catalytic performance was experimentally validated. This work offers a new perspective and guidance for the development of bifunctional electrocatalysts.

Synthesis of a Pinacol Boronate Precursor for [18F]Rucaparib Radiosynthesis

AbstractA novel synthetic approach toward pinacol boronate used as a precursor in the recent radiosynthesis of [18F]rucaparib is described in this study. The Heck reaction of an ortho‐iodoaniline derivative bearing a chloride group at the meta‐position with acrylonitrile produced the desired (E)‐2‐aminocinnamonitrile derivative. The subsequent cyanide‐catalyzed imino‐Stetter reaction of aldimine derived from the obtained 2‐aminocinnamonitrile and aldehyde afforded the required trisubstituted indole‐3‐acetonitrile. The reduction of the nitrile group with cobalt boride followed by the construction of an azepinone scaffold generated indoloazepinone bearing a chloride substituent at the C6‐position of the indole scaffold. The Suzuki–Miyaura borylation of the chloride substituent produced pinacol boronate previously used in the synthesis of [18F]rucaparib. Detailed outcomes of different approaches using different 2‐aminocinnamonitriles were discussed as well.

Regulating the crystallinity and hydrophobicity of cobalt boride nanosheet for enhanced CO2 photoreduction performance

Developing low-cost and efficient cocatalysts to strengthen CO2 conversion using solar energy is of great importance to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Two-dimensional cobalt boride (CoB) nanosheets with comparatively high work function and low ΔGH* are prone to undergo low crystallinity under rigorous synthetic conditions. Herein, a facile method of thermal-induced molten salt melt is used to regulate the structure characters of CoB nanosheets. The optimized CoB cocatalyst as a noble-metal-free cocatalyst delivers a high CO formation rate of 29.6 μmol h−1 and selectivity of 70.1 % with visible light irradiation. This elevation is steered by the promoted crystallinity and hydrophobicity, which can speed the charge kinetics and reduce the proton accumulation on the surface as evidenced by various photoelectrochemical tests and contact angle tests of water, respectively. The high CO2 adsorption based on alkaline Co atoms of the CoB nanosheets drives the key COOH* intermediates production analyzed by the in-suit infrared spectra. This work exploits newly Co-based cocatalysts and strengthens the structure–activity relationship for efficient CO2 photoconversion.

Microstructure and tribological performance of Co-B intermetallic compounds under water environment

Cobalt-boride (Co-B) alloys, as promising wear resistant materials, can form different intermetallic compounds. In this work, supercooling treatment is applied to control the microstructures and compounds in the alloys, and the related mechanical and tribological properties have been investigated systematically. The results suggest that besides FCC-Co and HCP-Co, it forms Co3B and minor Co2B in the as-cast samples, Co3B, Co2B and Co23B6 under different supercooling degree. Tribological experiments of these alloys under distilled water environment demonstrate that the Co-B alloy containing Co23B6 has the best tribological performance, followed by Co2B and Co3B. The coefficient of friction and wear rate of alloy containing Co23B6 are about 0.2 and 1.6 × 10−6 mm3/Nm, respectively, which are reduced by 60 % and one magnitude lower compared to the as-cast sample containing Co2B and Co3B. The promising tribological result of Co23B6 is attributed to the formation of tribolayer, which is rich in Co(OH)2, silicate, SiO2 and possibly H3BO3. This work provides guideline for tuning phases of Co-B alloys when using as rubbing parts in moisture environment.

Phytic acid-derivative Co2B-CoPOx coralloidal structure with delicate boron vacancy for enhanced hydrogen generation from sodium borohydride

Application of transition metal boride (TMB) catalysts towards hydrolysis of NaBH4 holds great significance to help relieve the energy crisis. Herein, we present a facile and versatile metal-organic framework (MOF) assisted strategy to prepare Co2B-CoPOx with massive boron vacancies by introducing phytic acid (PA) cross-linked Co complexes that are acquired from reaction of PA and ZIF-67 into cobalt boride. The PA etching effectively breaks down the structure of ZIF-67 to create more vacancies, favoring the maximal exposure of active sites and elevation of catalytic activity. Experimental results demonstrate a drastic electronic interaction between Co and the dopant phosphorous (P), thereby the robustly electronegative P induces electron redistribution around the metal species, which facilitates the dissociation of B-H bond and the adsorption of H2O molecules. The vacancy-rich Co2B-CoPOx catalyst exhibits scalable performance, characterized by a high hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of 7716.7 mL min−1 g−1 and a low activation energy (Ea) of 44.9 kJ/mol, rivaling state-of-the-art catalysts. This work provides valuable insights for the development of advanced catalysts through P doping and boron vacancy engineering and the design of efficient and sustainable energy conversion systems.

Cobalt Boride (Co2B) Particle Synthesis by One-step Carbothermic Reduction

In this study, crystalline Co2B powder production was carried out by a one-step carbothermal reduction method starting from cheap, easily accessible oxide-based materials. Firstly, to determine the carbothermic CoxB formation conditions, the decomposition temperatures of the raw materials were analysed by TG/DTA, and the temperature-varying Gibbs free energies of the expected reactions were calculated. Then, Co2B production was carried out at constant CoO/B2O3/C (3.22/1.5/1.3) weight ratios at temperature (1273-1473 K) and time (30-270 min). scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were used to characterize the particles. XRD results showed that reaction temperature and time are the primary control on CoxB formation. Single-phase crystalline Co2B particles with crystallite sizes of 88 nm were successfully produced at 1473 K and 150 min. The permanent magnetization, saturation magnetization, and coercivity values of Co2B particles were defined as 16.58 Oe, 35.361 emu/g, 0.501 emu/g, respectively

Non‐Noble Bifunctional Amorphous Metal Boride Electrocatalysts for Selective Seawater Electrolysis

AbstractThe global scarcity of freshwater resources has recently driven the need to explore abundant seawater as an alternative feedstock for hydrogen production by water‐splitting. This route comes with new challenges for the electrocatalyst, which has to withstand harsh saline water conditions with selectivity towards oxygen evolution over other competing reactions. Herein, a series of amorphous metal borides based on the iron triad metals (Co, Ni, and Fe), synthesized by a simple one‐step chemical reduction method, displayed excellent bifunctional activity for overall seawater splitting. Amongst the chosen catalysts, amorphous cobalt boride (Co−B) showed the best overpotential values of 182 mV for HER and 305 mV for OER, to achieve 10 mA/cm2, in alkaline simulated seawater. This superior activity was owed to the enrichment of the metal site with excess electrons (HER) and the in‐situ surface transformation (OER), as confirmed by various means. In alkaline simulated seawater, the overall cell voltage required to achieve 100 mA/cm2 was 1.85 V for the Co−B catalyst when used in a 2‐electrode assembly. The Co−B catalyst showed negligible loss in activity even after 1000 cycles and 50 h potentiostatic tests, thus demonstrating its industrial viability. The selectivity of the catalyst was established with Faradaic efficiency of above 99 % for HER and 96 % for OER, with no detection of chloride products in the spent electrolyte. This study using the mono‐metallic boride catalysts will turn to be a precursor to exploit other complex metal boride systems as potential candidates for seawater electrolysis for large‐scale hydrogen production.

Enhanced rate and specific capacity in nanorod-like core-shell crystalline NiMoO4@amorphous cobalt boride materials enabled by Mott-Schottky heterostructure as positive electrode for hybrid supercapacitors

The supercapacitor electrode materials suffer from structure pulverization and sluggish electrode kinetics under high current rates. Herein, a unique NiMoO4@Co-B heterostructure composed of highly conductive Co-B nanoflakes and a semiconductive NiMoO4 nanorod is designed as an electrode material to exert the energy storage effect on supercapacitors. The formed Mott-Schottky heterostructure is helpful to overcome the ion diffusion barrier and charge transfer resistance during charging and discharging. Moreover, this crystalline-amorphous heterogeneous phase could provide additional ion storage sites and better strain adaptability. Remarkably, the optimized NiMoO4@Co-B hierarchical nanorods (the mass ratio of NiMoO4/Co-B is 3:1) present greatly enhanced electrochemical characteristics compared with other components, and show superior specific capacity of 236.2 mA h g−1 at the current density of 0.5 A g−1, as well as remarked rate capability. The present work broadens the horizons of advanced electrode design with distinct heterogeneous interface in other energy storage and conversion field.