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Embedding RhP x in N, P Co‐Doped Carbon Nanoshells Through Synergetic Phosphorization and Pyrolysis for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Author(s) -
Chi JingQi,
Zeng XiaoJun,
Shang Xiao,
Dong Bin,
Chai YongMing,
Liu ChenGuang,
Marin Melinda,
Yin Yadong
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201901790
Subject(s) - nanoshell , materials science , chemical engineering , pyrolysis , nanoparticle , nanotechnology , carbon fibers , catalysis , doping , organic chemistry , chemistry , composite material , composite number , optoelectronics , engineering
Rational design and controllable synthesis of well‐defined nanostructures with high stability and Pt‐like activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are critical for renewable energy conversion. Herein, a unique pyrolysis strategy is demonstrated for the synthesis of RhP x nanoparticles (NPs) in N, P co‐doped thin carbon nanoshells (RhP x @NPC nanoshells) that display high electrocatalytic activity and stability over a wide pH range. This strategy involves simultaneous phosphorization and pyrolysis processes that can produce highly‐dispersed RhP x NPs within N, P co‐doped carbon nanoshells and at the same time induce thinning of carbon nanoshells from inside out. The resulting RhP x @NPC nanoshells not only possess Pt‐like activity for HER with low overpotentials to achieve 10 mA cm −2 (22 mV in 0.5 m H 2 SO 4 , 69 mV in 1.0 m KOH, and 38 mV in 1.0 m phosphate buffered saline (PBS)) but also provide long‐term durability in a wide pH range. The remarkable HER performance of RhP x @NPC nanoshells is ascribed to the high surface area, abundant mesoporosity, strong catalyst–support interaction, ultrathin carbon encapsulation, and N, P co‐doping. This work provides an effective strategy for designing heterostructured electrocatalysts with high catalytic activity and stability desired for reactions that may occur under harsh conditions.