An extremely facile route to Co2P encased in N, P-codoped carbon layers: Highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for ORR and OER. (18th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Jun; Liu, Guiyu; Liu, Beibei; Min, Ziyan; Qian, Dong; Jiang, Jianbo; Li, Junhua
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 43:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 1365
• Page End: 1374
• Publication Date: 2018-01-18
• Subjects: Co2P -- N, P-codoped carbon layer -- Electrocatalyst -- Oxygen reduction reaction -- Oxygen evolution reaction; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.11.102
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Exploring low-cost, efficacious and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial yet highly challenging to the wide perspective practicability for rechargeable metal−air batteries together with fuel cells and electrochemical water splitting. Herein, we have successfully prepared a novel nanohybrid consisting of Co2 P nanocores encased in N, P-codoped carbon layers (denoted as Co2 P@NPC) through an extremely facile and effective pyrolysis route utilizing easily available raw materials. The as-prepared Co2 P@NPC exhibits excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic performances for both ORR and OER in alkaline solution. For ORR, Co2 P@NPC shows comparable activity to the commercial 20 wt% Pt/C in terms of the half-wave potential and limited current density under the identical linear sweep voltammetry measurement conditions. Moreover, the ORR durability and methanol tolerance of Co2 P@NPC are much better than those of 20 wt% Pt/C. As regards OER, Co2 P@NPC affords lower activity but better stability than the fresh RuO2 . The high electrocatalytic performances originate from the strong interaction between Co2 P nanocores and N, P-codoped carbon layers, the high BET surface area and the conductive network formed by the crosslinking of carbon coatings. Graphical abstract: Highlights: We demonstrate a facile route to fabricate a novel Co2 P@NPC nanohybrid. Co2 P@NPC denotes Co2 P nanocores encased in N, P-codoped carbon layers. Co2 P@NPC shows excellent electrocatalytic performances for both ORR and OER. The excellent catalytic performances of Co2 P@NPC stems from its rational structure.