Co nanoparticles encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon frameworks as an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction

Developing efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for electrochemical water splitting is still a challenge. In this work, we put forward a strategy combining oriented growth of metal organic framework and high-temperature ammonization to synthesize cobalt nanoparticles (Co NPs) encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon skeleton. The optimized CoBDC-NF-NH3-650 exhibits an outstanding OER activity with an onset potential of 1.48 V (vs. RHE), and an overpotential of 345 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm(-2). Importantly, the CoBDC-NF-NH3-650 possesses an outstanding stability with negligible potential attenuation after 60 h continuous electrolysis. Experimental results reveal that edge carbon defects and the synergistic effect between Co NPs and N-doped carbon attribute to the impressive OER activity of CoBDC-NF-NH3-650.