Self‐Supported CoP Nanoparticle‐Embedded Wood‐Derived Porous Carbon Membrane for Efficient H₂ Evolution in Both Acidic and Basic Solutions

Abstract

Self‐supported carbon‐based electrocatalysts that possess good structural integrity, high activity, and excellent stability are being extensively pursued for applications in practical electrochemical energy conversion devices. Herein, we report a nature‐inspired and straightforward strategy to fabricate a self‐supported CoP nanoparticle‐embedded wood‐derived porous carbon membrane (CoP@PCM) as a highly efficient and stable electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in both acidic and basic solutions. Benefitting from the numerous aligned microchannels and high porosity of PCM, as well as the high dispersion of CoP nanoparticles, the as‐fabricated CoP@PCM demonstrates superior electrocatalytic activity for HER, with overpotentials of 155 and 112 mV in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1.0 M KOH, respectively, at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. In addition, CoP@PCM also exhibits good durability for HER at a high current density of ∼100 mA cm−2 in both solutions over 8 h of HER electrolysis, showing its great potential as a practical electrocatalyst for large‐scale electricity‐to‐fuel conversion.

Modulation of Water Dissociation Kinetics with a “Breathable” Wooden Electrode for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution

“…According to the fitted EIS plots, Pd-NiS/CW displays the lowest charge transfer resistance ( R ct ) value, exhibiting the fastest charge transfer process, which is in favor of improving the HER performances and is well consistent with the low overpotential and the small Tafel slope of Pd-NiS/CW. Moreover, Figure f and Table S1 exhibit the comparison of Pd-NiS/CW with other wood-based and Ni-based electrocatalysts in the reported literature, and the results visually reveal the prominent HER catalytic activity of Pd-NiS/CW. − Stability is also an important index to assess the performance of electrocatalysts. In consequence, the durability of Pd-NiS/CW under an HER catalytic condition was tested by various techniques, and the corresponding results are shown in Figure g–i.…”

NH4F-Induced Morphology Control of CoP Nanostructures to Enhance the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

“…For instance, CoP nanoparticles embedded in natural wood as the cathode electrode exhibit an overpotential of 112 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm −2 . 24 Similarly, CoP nanostructures prepared by a one-step phosphorization method show overpotentials of 160 and 175 mV at 10 mA cm −2 and excellent long-term stability in acidic and alkaline electrolytes. 25 Nevertheless, the smaller active area and higher kinetic barrier of CoP catalysts in comparison with Pt-group metals still limit the continued enhancement of catalytic performance.…”

“…Especially, the representative CoP catalysts were demonstrated to possess superior catalytic performance among TMPs. For instance, CoP nanoparticles embedded in natural wood as the cathode electrode exhibit an overpotential of 112 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm –2 . Similarly, CoP nanostructures prepared by a one-step phosphorization method show overpotentials of 160 and 175 mV at 10 mA cm –2 and excellent long-term stability in acidic and alkaline electrolytes .…”

Heterostructured Mo2N–Mo2C Nanoparticles Coupled with N‐Doped Carbonized Wood to Accelerate the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

“…[ 16,17 ] In particular, low tortuosity and aligned microchannels across the entire electrode can promote rapid electrolyte permeation and quickly release H 2 during the HER. [ 18,19 ] Moreover, CW is environmentally friendly and abundant, with a low cost, excellent electrical conductivity, and good chemical and mechanical stabilities, making it a potential candidate as a good supporting electrode for the HER. [ 20–22 ]…”

“…low tortuosity and aligned microchannels across the entire electrode can promote rapid electrolyte permeation and quickly release H 2 during the HER. [18,19] Moreover, CW is environmentally friendly and abundant, with a low cost, excellent electrical conductivity, and good chemical and mechanical stabilities, making it a potential candidate as a good supporting electrode for the HER. [20][21][22] Mo 2 C synthesized on a carbon-based substrate is generally obtained through the reaction of molybdenum-based precursor (i.e., ammonium molybdate) and carbon source by annealing.…”