Plasma-induced transformation: a new strategy to in situ engineer MOF-derived heterointerface for high-efficiency electrochemical hydrogen evolution

Abstract

High-efficiency hydrogen production using nonprecious electrocatalysts is considered a feasible solution for solving energy and environmental crises. Herein, we first develop a novel, simple, rapid, and environmentally friendly plasma-induced transformation approach to in situ engineer MOF-derived heterointerface catalyst. The plasma engineered MOF-derived Co₄N–Co₃O₄–C has a well-defined interface structure and exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic performance for alkaline hydrogen evolution with a very low overpotential of 46 mV at 10 mA cm⁻². Theory calculation verifies that the formation of heterointerface induces electron redistribution mainly in the interface region, particularly to the side of Co₄N, triggering interface Co as active sites, in which there is stronger water capture capability, decreasing the energetic barrier of water dissociation, and optimal hydrogen absorption. This work presents a feasible and ingenious strategy to design and synthesize diverse electrocatalysts with MOF-derived heterointerface.