Morphological and reactive optimization of g-C3N4-derived Co,N-codoped carbon nanotubes for hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

Most of the cobalt-doped carbon-based electrocatalysts have good activity towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the bond form of cobalt atoms often restricts the improvement of the activity and stability of the catalyst. In this study, we report a catalyst Co nanoparticles wrapped in bamboo-like N-doped carbon nanotubes (Co@BNCNTs), and the reaction parameter is further optimized. Co@BNCNTs exhibit excellent activity towards HER with a low overpotential of 187 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² in 1.0 M KOH. Moreover, Co@BNCNTs show great durabality and stability compared with commercial Pt/C.