Strengthened Synergistic Effect of Metallic MxPy(M = Co, Ni, and Cu) and Carbon Layer via Peapod-Like Architecture for Both Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions.
The smooth electric transmission is crucial for the high-efficient electrocatalysis. Herein, a series of peapod-like metallic MxPy/C (M = Co, Ni, and Cu) composites is developed as bifunctional catalysts toward hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. For the first time, the metallic property of Cu3P is confirmed through the theoretical calculation. The in-depth composition, structural and catalytic mechanism analysis of MxPy/C discloses that the comparable activity and considerable durability of these catalysts mainly result from the strengthened synergistic effect between metallic MxPyand carbon layer based on the unique peapod-like architecture. Especially, the atomic contact between MxPyand carbon not only provides an open channel for electronic transmission but also ensures the integrity of peapod-like structure. Furthermore, the high electric conductivity of the inner metallic MxPyand the outer carbon layer endows the MxPy/C catalyst with rapid charge migration during the electrocatalytic pathway. These findings shed light on the origin of high catalytic activity of MxPy/C and open a path for purposefully rationally synthesizing superior electrocatalysts.
The State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmissions and the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, 55 Daxuecheng South Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing City, 401331, P. R. China.
Yuanjuan
Y
Bai
The State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmissions and the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, 55 Daxuecheng South Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing City, 401331, P. R. China.
Ling
L
Fang
The State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmissions and the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, 55 Daxuecheng South Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing City, 401331, P. R. China.
Haitao
H
Xu
Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, 55 Daxuecheng South Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing City, 401331, P. R. China.
Xiao
X
Gu
The State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmissions and the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, 55 Daxuecheng South Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing City, 401331, P. R. China.
Huijuan
H
Zhang
The State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmissions and the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, 55 Daxuecheng South Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing City, 401331, P. R. China.
Yu
Y
Wang
HER; bifunctional catalysts; electrocatalysis; metallic MxPy