Heterostructured MoP/CoMoP₂ embedded in an N, P-doped carbon matrix as a highly efficient cooperative catalyst for pH-universal overall water splitting

To design and build effective electrocatalysts for water splitting is a key challenge, but hardly any non-noble metal catalysts can match the performance of Pt at cathodes and Ir or Ru at anodes. The synergistic combination of non-noble metal catalysts could be a better option for overall water splitting (OWS). Herein, a heterostructured electrocatalyst of MoP/CoMoP2 nanoparticles embedded in an N, P-doped carbon matrix (MoP/CoMoP2 @NPC) was fabricated via reticular chemistry. The results indicate that, due to the cooperative effect of MoP/CoMoP2 interfaces and phosphorus vacancies, MoP/CoMoP2 @NPC shows extraordinary efficiency and robust stability for hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions (HER/OER) and OWS in a wide pH range. This work could offer a promising interface-engineering approach to develop and build effective cooperative electrocatalysts for the sustainable production of hydrogen.