One-step CVD synthesis of carbon framework wrapped Co2P as a flexible electrocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Here, we develop a novel method to successfully prepare a nanohybrid catalyst of carbon framework wrapped cobalt phosphide on carbon cloth (Co₂P@C/CC) as a flexible electrocatalyst for the HER. Relative to reported phosphides phosphatized using hypophosphite, the resulting Co₂P@C/CC was prepared using a Co₃(PO₄)₂ precursor via one-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reduction, thus obtaining highly purified Co₂P. This moderate method paves a versatile path to designing earth-abundant alternatives for the HER.