Template-assisted synthesis of CoP nanotubes to efficiently catalyze hydrogen-evolving reaction

Abstract

For the first time, we demonstrate a template-assisting synthesis to make CoP nanotubes (CoP NTs) through low-temperature phosphidation of Co salt inside a porous anodic aluminium oxide template followed by dilute HF etching. Such CoP NTs exhibit excellent hydrogen-evolution catalytic activity and durability in an acidic medium, which is superior to their nanoparticle counterparts, with a Faradaic yield of nearly 100%. The fundamental insight for the catalytic enhancement mechanism is also explored.