Interfacial Engineering of Cobalt Thiophosphate with Strain Effect and Modulated Electron Structure for Boosting Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

AbstractThe fabrication of heterojunctions is an intriguing approach to boost the reactivity of catalysts. However, facile preparation of desirable heterojunction materials remains a challenge. Here, novel CoPS3/CoS2 heterojunctions are created by an intuitive phosphatization process on the basis of structurally flexible cobalt sulfide precursors. Significant stress effect exists at these heterogeneous interfaces, resulting in lattice distortions and the exposure of more active sites. The interface interaction also modifies the catalyst's electronic structure to improve its electrical conductivity and hydrogen adsorption capabilities. Notably, the overpotential of the CoPS3/CoS2 heterojunction for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction is just 36.3 mV, which is far superior to those of single‐component catalysts and competitive with comparable catalysts reported. This work not only offers an innovative electrocatalyst but also a strategy that can be used to create heterojunctions based on related transition metal thiophosphates.