Two-Dimensional Cobalt/N-Doped Carbon Hybrid Structure Derived from Metal-Organic Frameworks as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution

In situ formation of Co/N-carbon via pyrolysis of layered cobalt metal organic frameworks in argon atmosphere was performed. As excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts, the 2D hybrid layered structure composed of metallic cobalt and N-carbon exhibited a small overpotential of 103 mV (vs RHE) at 10 mA/cm(2), high cycle durability and considerable long-term stability for HER. The superior electrochemical performance of Co/N-carbon for HER could be attributed to such 2D setup that encompasses the low H atom binding energy of metallic cobalt, the high conductivity of carbon and the stability of carbon-encapsulated Co nanoparticles.