Non-Metallic Phosphorus Corrole as Efficient Electrocatalyst in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

摘要

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 H2 ${{_{{\rm H}{_{2}}}}}$ mol(cat)(-1) h(-1) at an overpotential of 900 mV.

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