Two-Dimensional Cobalt/N-Doped Carbon Hybrid Structure Derived from Metal–Organic Frameworks as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution

<i>In situ</i> formation of Co/N-carbon via pyrolysis of layered cobalt metal–organic frameworks in argon atmosphere was performed. As excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts, the 2D hybrid layered structure composed of metallic cobalt and N-carbon exhibited a small overpotential of 103 mV (vs RHE) at 10 mA/cm², high cycle durability and considerable long-term stability for HER. The superior electrochemical performance of Co/N-carbon for HER could be attributed to such 2D setup that encompasses the low H atom binding energy of metallic cobalt, the high conductivity of carbon and the stability of carbon-encapsulated Co nanoparticles