In situ confinement of ultrahigh-density Co2P nanoparticles within biomass-derived carbon nanosheet frameworks as efficient cocatalysts for solar H2 production

Abstract

In this work, an efficient and cost-effective H₂ evolution cocatalyst (Co₂P/CPE) is developed by in situ confinement of ultrahigh-density Co₂P nanoparticles within a carbonized Pleurotus eryngii (CPE) matrix. Benefiting from the ultrathin carbon nanosheet architectures and exposure of ultradense Co₂P nanoparticles (NPs), Co₂P/CPE exhibits superior cocatalytic performance for the photocatalytic H₂ evolution reaction (HER) in an Erythrosin B-triethanolamine (ErB-TEOA) system under visible light (λ ≥ 420 nm), achieving an exceptionally high H₂ evolution rate of 449 μmol h⁻¹ with an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 8.7% at 500 nm. Remarkably, the excellent structural integrity ensures outstanding stability during consecutive HER cycles over 36 h. Furthermore, Co₂P/CPE demonstrates excellent versatility as an active and durable cocatalyst to significantly enhance the photocatalytic HER activity of CdS NPs under visible light (λ ≥ 420 nm). This work establishes a paradigm for designing cost-effective and efficient HER cocatalysts through synergistic integration of biomass-derived carbon architectures with precisely engineered active sites.