Open AccessUltrafine CoPt 3 nanoparticles encapsulated in nitrogen‐doped carbon nanospheres for efficient water electrolysis
Author(s) -
Bi Junlu,
Zhai Xuejun,
Chi Jingqi,
Wu Xueke,
Chen Shaojin,
Wang Xinping,
Wang Lei
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
electrochemical science advances
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2698-5977
DOI - 10.1002/elsa.202100082
Subject(s) - materials science , oxygen evolution , overpotential , chemical engineering , nanoparticle , catalysis , carbon fibers , pyrolysis , nanotechnology , hydrogen production , electrolysis of water , electrolysis , composite number , chemistry , electrochemistry , electrode , organic chemistry , composite material , engineering , electrolyte
Rational design of nanostructures with excellent activity and stability for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) to realize efficient hydrogen production is essential for renewable energy development and conversion. Here, we have designed a special pyrolysis reduction method for the synthesis of CoPt 3 nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in N‐doped carbon nanospheres (CoPt 3 @NC). In this process, a facile impregnation combined with pyrolysis reduction strategy is carried out to produce well‐dispersed CoPt 3 nanoparticles within the N‐doped carbon, and the resulting CoPt 3 @NC nanospheres with trace Pt content exhibit superior HER and OER activity to pure Pt@NC, which needs an ultralow overpotential of 65 mV and 360 mV to drive 10 mA/cm 2 in 1.0 M KOH, respectively, and also with excellent long‐term durability. The excellent HER and OER activities of CoPt 3 @NC nanospheres are mainly ascribed to the high surface area, N‐doping, and synergistic effect between catalyst and carrier. This work provides a feasible strategy to design carbon‐based heterostructures with high catalytic activity and stable properties.