Highly Efficient Multifunctional Co-N-C Electrocatalysts with Synergistic Effects of Co-N Moieties and Co Metallic Nanoparticles Encapsulated in a N-Doped Carbon Matrix for Water-Splitting and Oxygen Redox Reactions.

Electrochemical water-splitting reactions (hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER)) and oxygen redox reactions (oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and OER) are core processes for electrochemical water-splitting devices, rechargeable metal-air batteries, and regenerative fuel cells. Developing highly efficient non-noble multifunctional catalysts in the same electrolyte is an open challenge. Herein, efficient Co-N-C electrocatalysts with a mixed structure comprising Co-N moieties and Co nanoparticles encapsulated in a N-doped carbon layer were prepared via pyrolysis of a new structure of Co-coordinated bis(imino)pyridine polymer constructed by 2,6-diacetylpyridine and 3,3'-diaminobenzidine.