Co-Co₃O₄@carbon core–shells derived from metal-organic framework nanocrystals as efficient hydrogen evolution catalysts

Controllable pyrolysis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in confined spaces is a promising strategy for the design and development of advanced functional materials. In this study, Co-Co₃O₄@carbon composites were synthesized via pyrolysis of a Co-MOFs@glucose polymer (Co-MOFs@GP) followed by partial oxidation of Co nanoparticles (NPs). The pyrolysis of Co-MOFs@GP generated a core–shell structure composed of carbon shells and Co NPs. The controlled partial oxidation of Co NPs formed Co-Co₃O₄ heterojunctions confined in carbon shells. Compared with Co-MOFs@GP and Co@carbon-n (Co@C-n), Co-Co₃O₄@carbon-n (Co-Co₃O₄@C-n) exhibited higher catalytic activity during NaBH₄ hydrolysis. Co-Co₃O₄@C-II provided a maximum specific H₂ generation rate of 5, 360 mL·min^-1·g_Co^-1 at room temperature due to synergistic interactions between Co and Co₃O₄ NPs. The Co NPs also endowed Co-Co₃O₄@C-n with the ferromagnetism needed to complete the magnetic momentum transfer process. This assembly-pyrolysis-oxidation strategy may be an efficient method of preparing novel nanocomposites.