Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-Derived Core-Shell-Structured CoS2/CoS2-N-C Supported on Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene Foil for Efficient Oxygen Evolution

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Junhui Cao - , Zhejiang University (Author)
  • Chaojun Lei - , Zhejiang University (Author)
  • Bin Yang - , Zhejiang University (Author)
  • Zhongjian Li - , Zhejiang University (Author)
  • Lecheng Lei - , Zhejiang University (Author)
  • Yang Hou - , Zhejiang University (Author)
  • Xinliang Feng - , Chair of Molecular Functional Materials (cfaed) (Author)

Abstract

Developing earth-abundant transition-metal based materials to efficiently catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is an urgent demand for electrochemical water splitting and rechargeable metal-air batteries. Here, we developed a novel 3D hybrid electrocatalyst consisting of core-shell structured CoS2/CoS2 embedded into N-doped carbon supported on electrochemically exfoliated graphene foil (EG/CoS2/CoS2-NC) by sulfurization treatment of EG/Co(OH)2/zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) as precursor. The thickness of the CoS2-NC shell derived from ZIF-67 is 10 nm and the CoS2 core generated from Co(OH)2 nanosheet arrays has a particle size of ∼20 nm. Benefiting from the unique 3D core-shell structure and synergistic effects, the EG/CoS2/CoS2-NC hybrid enormously promotes electrocatalytic OER activity with a low overpotential of 210 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 61.9 mV dec−1. These values are far superior compared to the commercial Ir/C catalyst, and even better than other reported state-of-the-art CoS2-based materials. In-situ Raman spectroscopy together with ex-situ XRD patterns reveal that the active centers of EG/CoS2/CoS2-NC hybrid are proven to be Co-OOH species that are derived from Co−S groups during the OER process. The superb catalytic performance is also reflected in boosting electrochemical urea oxidation and hydrazine oxidation, where the accelerated oxidation reaction could be observed.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)348-354
Number of pages7
JournalBatteries and Supercaps
Volume2
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2019
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • active sites, cobalt dichalcogenides, core-shell structures, nitrogen-doped carbon, oxygen evolution reaction