Three-Dimensional Graphene-Supported CoP-RuP₂ with Artificial Heterointerfaces for an Enhanced Universal-pH Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Searching for efficient, inexpensive, and stable catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) remains a major challenge for an energy conversion system. Herein, a hybrid of three-dimensional (3D) porous reduced graphene oxide supported CoP-RuP₂ heterostructures (CoP-RuP₂/rGO) is first reported by a facile sol–gel-assisted approach. The elaborate design can provide a 3D porous carbon matrix with a large surface area, enabling CoP-RuP₂ nanoparticles to disperse uniformly on graphene and constructing an interface-rich CoP/RuP₂ heterojunction. Benefiting from the synergistic contribution of its merits, the designed CoP-RuP₂/rGO shows significantly enhanced catalytic HER performance as well as long-term stability over all pH ranges. Furthermore, the as-fabricated full water-splitting cell employing CoP-RuP₂/rGO as the cathode needs a low voltage of only 1.62 V at 10 mA cm^–2 with remarkable durability in 1.0 M KOH solution, which outperforms a precious metal-based Pt/C||IrO₂ driven water electrolyzer, endowing it with potential applications in energy-relevant electrocatalysis fields.