Metal organic framework-derived CoPS/N-doped carbon for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution is crucial for clean energy production.
• Developing efficient and stable electrocatalysts is essential for renewable energy technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate novel ternary pyrite-type cobalt phosphosulphide (CoPS) nanoparticles supported on a nitrogen-doped carbon matrix (CoPS/N-C).
• To investigate the electrocatalytic performance of CoPS/N-C for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic and alkaline media.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of CoPS/N-C via carbonization and phosphosulfurization of Co-based zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-67).
• Characterization of the nanocomposite structure, preserving the polyhedral morphology of ZIF-67.
• Electrochemical testing of HER performance in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1 M KOH.

Main Results:

• CoPS/N-C exhibited high catalytic activity for HER, achieving a geometric current density of -10 mA cm⁻² at low overpotentials (-80 mV in acid, -148 mV in base).
• The catalyst demonstrated favorable Tafel slopes (68 mV dec⁻¹ in acid, 78 mV dec⁻¹ in base), indicating efficient reaction kinetics.
• Performance surpassed most reported transition metal phosphosulfide materials.

Conclusions:

• MOF-derived CoPS/N-C is a highly efficient electrocatalyst for HER in both acidic and alkaline solutions.
• This synthesis strategy offers a promising route for developing advanced electrocatalysts for renewable energy applications.