Plasma-induced transformation: a new strategy to in situ engineer MOF-derived heterointerface for high-efficiency electrochemical hydrogen evolution

High-efficiency hydrogen production using nonprecious electrocatalysts is considered a feasible solution for solving energy and environmental crises. Herein, we first develop a novel, simple, rapid, and environmentally friendly plasma-induced transformation approach to in situ engineer MOF-derived heterointerface catalyst. The plasma engineered MOF-derived Co4N-Co3O4-C has a well-defined interface structure and exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic performance for alkaline hydrogen evolution with a very low overpotential of 46 mV at 10 mA cm(-2). Theory calculation verifies that the formation of heterointerface induces electron redistribution mainly in the interface region, particularly to the side of Co4N, triggering interface Co as active sites, in which there is stronger water capture capability, decreasing the energetic barrier of water dissociation, and optimal hydrogen absorption. This work presents a feasible and ingenious strategy to design and synthesize diverse electrocatalysts with MOF-derived heterointerface.