Halloysite nanotubes supported Co2P bridged by carbon dots for enhanced hydrogen evolution from ammonia borane

Rational design of efficient, low-cost and eco-friendly catalysts for hydrogen generation from solid-state hydrogen storage material ammonia borane (AB) is identified as an ideal approach for solving the problems of energy crisis and environmental pollution. Herein, we construct a robust and low-cost composite catalyst with the combination of non-noble metal cobalt phosphide (Co 2 P), carbon dots (CDs) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), in which CDs serve as the bridge and conductive mediator to link Co 2 P and HNTs for facilitating electron transfer. Attributing to the synergistic effects among Co 2 P, CDs and HNTs, the high conductivity of CDs and the dispersion/supporting of HNTs, the as-prepared Co 2 P-CDs/ m HNTs composite catalyst displays a considerably high hydrogen evolution rate with TOF of 178.02 mol H2 mol co2P −1 min −1 , which is much higher than Co 2 P/HNTs, Co 2 P/CDs and other non-noble metals-based catalysts. This work provides a new insight and bridging strategy for the design of low-cost composite catalysts with excellent performance toward AB hydrolysis.