A methodological approach for fabricating hybrid CoP2/THQ@NF electrocatalysts for enhanced HER catalytic performance

In this study, cobalt phosphide (CoP 2 ) was synthesized onto a Nickel foam (NF) support via phosphorylation under an N 2 atmosphere. The resulting material was then coated with tetrahydroxyquinone (THQ), a conjugated microporous polymer, using a hydrothermal method. The as-synthesized CoP 2 /THQ@NF showed remarkable electrocatalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction and excellent durability in acidic electrolytes. This was attributed to the synergistic effect of the NF support, CoP 2 , and THQ, which led to a modified electronic structure of CoP 2 and a high electron transfer rate of THQ. A low overpotential of 137 mV was required in a 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 solution to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm −2 .