Multicomponent Pt/PtTe2/NiCoTe2 embedded in ternary heteroatoms-doped carbon for efficient and pH-universal hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract Herein, we report a synthesis of multicomponent Pt/PtTe2/NiCoTe2 and N, P, F ternary doped carbon composites showing a morphology of folded hollow microspheres (Pt/PtTe2/NiCoTe2/NPFC HFSs) by a facile hydrothermal method with the assistance of ionic liquid. Pt, PtTe2, and NiCoTe2 produced by one step of tellurization process were encapsulated in carbon, which protected Pt/PtTe2/NiCoTe2 from corrosion in acidic and alkaline conditions. The synergistic effects of Pt/PtTe2/NiCoTe2 can improve the HER performance. With the addition of ionic liquid, abundant folds and N, P, F ternary doped carbon were obtained, leading to increased specific surface area, faster electron transfer, as well as more active sites. Thanks to these advantages, Pt/PtTe2/NiCoTe2/NPFC HFSs show excellent performance in HER (when the current density achieved 10 mA cm−2, the overpotentials were respectively 34, 43, and 36 mV in acidic (0.5 M H2SO4), alkaline (1 M KOH), and neutral (1.0 M PBS) solutions. This study offers a simple strategy for modifying the morphology and element doping to enhance electrochemical performance.