Novel one-dimensional Cu@C nanofibers: direct solid-state synthesis and applications in electrocatalytic water splitting

Encapsulating metal nanoparticles with a graphitic carbon shell to remit the loss of active sites has drawn attention in catalysis. Herein, we report the development of a facile strategy to prepare graphitic carbon encapsulated Cu nanoparticle (Cu@C) nanofibers by in situ pyrolysis of organic-layered copper hydroxides, which exhibited superior activity and durability for water splitting. Novel 1D Cu@C nanofibers with carbon encapsulated Cu nanoparticles dispersed on carbon nanofibers were synthesized by in situ pyrolysis of organic-layered copper hydroxides for overall water splitting with superior activity and excellent durability.