The
construction of high-efficiency electrocatalysts for hydrogen
evolution, oxygen reduction, and oxygen evolution reactions (HER/ORR/OER)
is critical for the overall water splitting system, fuel cells, and
rechargeable metal–air batteries. Here, we report a viable
strategy for tuning the size of a Co-based zeolitic imidazolate framework
(ZIF). As a result, a nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon-supported ultrafine
Co nanoparticle electrocatalyst (Co/NGC-3) with multifunctional activity
was developed. Owing to the smaller ZIF-67 polyhedrons with relatively
uniform distribution, more effective active sites, and a strong coupling
effect of Co-pyridinic-N, the proposed Co/NGC-3 catalyst exhibited
an impressive HER activity. It also showed brilliant catalytic activity
in both the ORR and OER, delivering a more positive half-wave potential
and a lower overpotential than that of the Pt/C catalyst, respectively.
Moreover, the Co/NGC-3 involved the Zn–air battery displayed
satisfactory power density, excellent energy density, and superior
stability. This approach provides an efficient strategy for the preparation
of high-performance multifunctional electrocatalysts for energy-related
applications.
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