Non‐Metallic Phosphorus Corrole as Efficient Electrocatalyst in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Gang Yang, Jinghe Cen, Jian Lan, Mengyuan Li, Xuan Zhan, Gaoqing Yuan, Haiyang Liu
Abstract
Abstract The economical consideration of using an electrocatalyst in energy‐related field, composed of non‐precious/sustainable elements is quite noteworthy. In this work, the phosphorus(V) complex of tris‐(pentafluorophenyl)corrole [(TPFC)P V (OH) 2 ] was reported as electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The electrochemical studies revealed that the HER experienced a ECEC pathway (E: electron transfer step, C: chemical step), and the possible intermediate [P V ]−H species was suggested. (TPFC)P V (OH) 2 displayed excellent HER activity in dimethylformamide (DMF) with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as the proton source, and the turnover frequency (TOF) reached 31.75 s −1 at an overpotential of 900 mV. Interestingly, the HER electrocatalytic performance remained extraordinary even applying water as a proton source in acetonitrile/water ( v / v =2 : 3), with a TOF of 18.40 mol mol cat −1 h −1 at an overpotential of 900 mV.