Dual-functional Co3O4@Co2P4O12 nanoneedles supported on nickel foams with enhanced electrochemical performance and excellent stability for overall urea splitting

Urea splitting to produce hydrogen is one of the most promising solutions to the energy crisis in the future. A series of Co3O4 and cobalt phosphate composites on nickel foam were synthesized by hydrothermal and calcination process and firstly used as dual-functional electrode for the overall urea splitting. When the current density is 20 mA cm(-2), the required cell voltage is significantly lower than that of fully water splitting. The stability test results show that the composition and morphology of our catalyst do not change significantly before and after the reaction. By controlling the morphology under the same conditions, we concluded that the main factor affecting the activity of urea splitting was specific surface area and synergistic effect. (C) 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.