A 3D Nanostructure Based on Transition-Metal Phosphide Decorated Heteroatom-Doped Mesoporous Nanospheres Interconnected with Graphene: Synthesis and Applications

A novel three-dimensional nanostructure based on cobalt phosphide nanoparticles (Co2P NPs) and heteroatom-doped mesoporous carbon spheres interconnected with graphene (3D PZM@Co2P@RGO) was facilely synthesized for the first time, and it was used for enhancing the flame retardancy and toxicity suppression of epoxy resins (EP) via a synergistic effect. Herein, the cross-linked polyphosphazene hollow spheres (PZM) were used as templates for the fabrication of 3D architecture. The 3D architecture based on Co2P-decorated heteroatom-doped carbon sphere and reduced graphene oxide was prepared via a carbonization procedure followed by a hydrothermal self-assembly strategy. The as-prepared material exhibits excellent catalytic activity with regard to the combustion process. Notably, inclusion of incorporating PZM@Co2P@RGO resulted in a dramatic reduction of the fire hazards of EP, such as a 47.9% maximum decrease in peak heat release rate and a 29.2% maximum decrease in total heat release, lower toxic CO yield, and formation of high-graphitized protective char layer. In addition, the mechanism for flame retardancy and toxicity suppression was proposed. It is reasonable to know that the improved flame-retardant performance for EP nanocomposites is attributed to tripartite cooperative effect from respective components (Co2P NPs and RGO) plus the heteroatom-doped carbon spheres.