Adjustable antiperovskite cobalt-based nitrides as efficient electrocatalysts for overall water splitting

Abstract

Exploring effective, stable and low-cost catalysts for overall water splitting, comprising the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), is always a prosperous topic in the electrochemical water splitting field. ANCo₃, a typical class of antiperovskite nitrides, in which both the A site and N content can be effectively modulated, is considered a promising class of catalysts for overall water splitting. Here, we report the overall water splitting results of Co-based antiperovskite nitrides for the first time. CuNCo₃ nanosheets and CoN_0.73Co₃ nanowires on nickel foam (NF) are designed as OER and HER catalysts, respectively. The alkaline electrolyzer of CuNCo₃/NF||CoN_0.73Co₃/NF for overall water splitting exhibits a low cell voltage of 1.53 V at 10 mA cm⁻² with high cycling stability. The results explore the applications of antiperovskite nitrides for overall water splitting and provide strategic guidance for the design of efficient catalyst materials.