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Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotube with Doped Co and N Atoms and its Catalytic Applications in Hydrogen Production
Published on: December 6, 2021
Cobalt nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Huilong Fei1, Yang Yang1, Zhiwei Peng1
1†Department of Chemistry, ‡Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, §Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States.
Researchers developed novel nitrogen-enriched cobalt-carbon core-shell nanoparticles for efficient hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). These catalysts show excellent durability and activity, offering a promising alternative to platinum-based materials in renewable energy applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Developing efficient electrocatalysts is crucial for renewable energy technologies like hydrogen production.
- Platinum-based catalysts are effective for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) but are expensive and scarce.
- Nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon shells are known for enhancing electrode performance in energy storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate nitrogen-enriched core-shell structured cobalt-carbon nanoparticles for HER.
- To investigate the electrocatalytic performance and durability of these novel catalysts in acidic and alkaline media.
- To explore the potential of these catalysts as cost-effective alternatives to platinum.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of nitrogen-enriched cobalt-carbon core-shell nanoparticles.
- Dispersion of nanoparticles onto graphene sheets.
- Electrochemical characterization of HER performance in acidic (0.5 M H2SO4) and alkaline (0.1 M NaOH) electrolytes.
- Durability testing of the synthesized catalysts.
Main Results:
- The synthesized catalysts demonstrated excellent durability and HER activity.
- Onset overpotentials as low as ~70 mV were observed in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes.
- Overpotentials of 265 mV (acidic) and 337 mV (alkaline) were required to achieve 10 mA cm(-2) current density.
- Control experiments suggested synergistic effects between cobalt nanoparticles and nitrogen-doped carbon contribute to active sites.
Conclusions:
- Nitrogen-enriched core-shell cobalt-carbon nanoparticles on graphene show significant potential as efficient and durable electrocatalysts for HER.
- These catalysts present a viable, low-cost alternative to platinum-based materials for hydrogen production.
- Synergistic interactions within the catalyst structure are key to their enhanced performance.
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