3D hierarchical MOF-derived CoP@N-doped carbon composite foam for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

Developing efficient Pt-free electrochemical catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for an energy source with low pollutant emissions. Herein, zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) polyhedrons are first in situ grown on the fibrils of commercial melamine foam at room temperature, and then phosphided and carbonized to obtain the free-standing 3D hierarchical CoP@N-doped carbon composite foam (CoP@NC/CF) with interconnected architecture. The 3D interconnected carbon networks provide efficient and fast channels for the rapid transfer of ions and electrons, and inhibit the agglomeration of CoP nanoparticles . The unique structure of CoP@NC/CF thus allows for delivering the remarkable HER performance with a low overpotential of 151.3 mV at 10 mA cm −2 , small Tafel slope of 64.8 mV dec −1 , and excellent long-term stability. This research provides a new strategy for the rational design and facile synthesis of the free-standing 3D CoP-based catalysts for high-performance HER.