Abstract:
The strategic design and fabrication of efficient electrocatalysts holds pivotal importance in
advancing the field of electrochemical water splitting (EWS). A promising way to boost EWS
performance lies in the integration of non-noble transition metal catalysts via a cooperative
double metal incorporation strategy, offering a compelling alternative to conventional Pt based materials. In this study, we introduce an innovative and straightforward single-step
process to fabricate bimetallic MoCo catalyst integrated within a three-dimensional (3D)
nanoporous thin network of self-sufficient heteroatoms N,P-doped carbon nitride. Subsequent
carbonization at 550 °C yields a highly effective bimetallic phosphide carbon nitride
electrocatalyst, denoted as CoMoPCN, tailored specifically for EWS. Comprehensive
characterization employing XRD, FT-IR, XPS, TEM, HR-TEM, and HAADF EDS mapping
confirms the structural integrity and composition of the synthesized catalyst. The engineered
electrocatalyst demonstrates exceptional electrocatalytic performance, showing the lowest
onset potential of 1.43 V, along with overpotential values of 212 mV and 49.5 mV at a current
density of 10 mA/cm2
for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) and Hydrogen Evolution
Reaction (HER), respectively. Moreover, the catalyst exhibits an increased electrochemically
active surface area (ECSA) determining 2720 cm-2
, leading to the smallest Tafel slope and the
lowest charge transfer resistance. These outstanding characteristics, coupled with the
synergistic effects arising from the interaction between MoCo and P-gC3N4 (PCN),
collectively contribute to a significantly enhanced electrocatalytic performance in both OER
and HER. These findings show the effectiveness of the synthesized bimetallic phosphide
carbon nitride as a highly promising electrocatalyst for efficient OER and HER applications.
