Molecular Cobalt Catalysts Grafted onto Polymers for Efficient Hydrogen Generation Cathodes

A conjugated microporous polymer is in situ electropolymerized to form a basis for immobilization of a molecular catalyst onto glassy carbon. A cost‐effective molecular catalyst is then grafted onto the polymer by π – π interactions as evidenced by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–vis spectra. The prepared cathode represents a high activity toward hydrogen evolution (109 100 turnovers in 2 h) in mild acidic aqueous solutions with a ≈100% faradaic efficiency. The cathode also shows a very good stability. In total, this article introduces a facile means to design and prepare a hydrogen generation cathode using widely available and inexpensive materials.