Co2P2O7@MoO3/NF composite electrocatalysts by different phosphorus sources for efficient oxygen evolution reaction and overall water splitting

Electrocatalysts comprising MoO3 coated by Co2P2O7 nanocrystals were grown on a nickel foam (NF) substrate. The applicability of the nanocomposite material (Co2P2O7@MoO3/NF) as an electrode for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and overall water splitting was verified. The as-synthesized product showed the overpotentials of 227 and 377 mV to drive the OER at current densities of 50 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. Furthermore, the voltage of Co2P2O7@MoO3/NF as a bifunctional overall water splitting catalyst was 1.55 V at 10 mA cm−2. Co2P2O7@MoO3/NF@NF (+)//Co2P2O7@MoO3/NF (−) can maintain >80% of its initial current density after 30 h at 15 mA cm−2. The Co2P2O7@MoO3/NF electrode also showed a low hydrogen evolution reaction overpotential of 58.7 mV at 10 mA cm−2. The excellent oxygen evolution and electrochemical water decomposition stability of the catalyst have broad application prospects. [Display omitted] •Different phosphorus sources were used to synthesize Co2P2O7@MoO3.•The strong electron interaction between Co2P2O7 and MoO3 can accelerate the charge transfer.•The obtained material shows excellent electrocatalytic activity toward OER and overall water splitting.