Bimetallic Metal–Organic Framework-Derived Graphitic Carbon-Coated Small Co/VN Nanoparticles as Advanced Trifunctional Electrocatalysts

Abstract

The rational design and construction of multifunctional electrocatalysts with high activity, low cost, and outstanding stability are highly desirable for the development of renewable energy but are still a big challenge. Bimetallic catalysts are a kind of promising candidates, like the hybrids of Co and VN nanoparticles (Co/VN). However, the inevitable aggregation during the preparation and electrochemical process lowers their reactivity and durability. Herein, small Co/VN nanoparticles (4-8 nm) embedded in porous graphitic carbon layers (Co/VN NPs@C) were obtained through the pyrolysis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The synergistic effect of in situ generated Co and VN NPs together with fast electron transfer from graphitic carbon layers renders this catalyst to possess excellent trifunctional performance. More attractively, Co/VN NPs@C as both the anode and the cathode shows a low voltage of 1.58 V when the current density is up to 10 mA cm^-2, exceeding most electrocatalysts based on non-noble metals. The rechargeable Zn-air batteries constructed by Co/VN NPs@C deliver high round-trip efficiency together with a peak power density of 130 mW cm^-2, a specific capacity of 757 mAh g^-1, and desirable stability, outperforming the traditional Zn-air batteries based on the Pt/C and RuO₂ pair. This work opens a promising avenue toward constructing highly effective multifunctional electrocatalysts by designing small-sized nanoparticles with various active sites derived from MOFs.