3D Graphene Aerogels Decorated with Cobalt Phosphide Nanoparticles as Electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction. Issue 21 (24th August 2016) - Zhang, Xueping
Abstract: The development of non‐precious‐metal hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts with high activity and excellent durability in acidic media is of significant importance for renewable energy research. We report a novel electrocatalyst based on a three‐dimensional (3D) graphene aerogel decorated with cobalt phosphide nanoparticles (CoP/GA). The material has a unique hierarchical porous structure with CoP nanoparticles encapsulated uniformly within the graphene sheets. The optimized catalyst shows superior activity, with an overpotential of only 121 mV at 10 mA cm −2, a Tafel slope of 50 mV dec −1, and an exchange current density of 0.105 mA cm −2, and it maintains its catalytic activity for at least 13 h. More importantly, this work provides a versatile way for the rational design and fabrication of 3D graphene‐based multifunctional composite materials. Abstract : Now in 3D ! A three‐dimensional structure comprising a graphene aerogel decorated with cobalt phosphide nanoparticles (CoP/GA) is prepared to serve as electrocatalyst in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The unique structure efficiently prohibits the dissolution/aggregation of the CoP nanoparticles, exposes a large active surface area, and provides multidimensional electron/ion transport pathways, resulting in excellent catalytic activity with high stability.