MOF-derived rose-like carbon-coated Ni-Co phosphide with phosphorus vacancies to enhance hydroxide-ion storage in hybrid supercapacitors

Abstract

The low structural stability and sluggish charge-transfer kinetics of transition metal phosphides (TMPs) hinder their application in hybrid supercapacitors. The realization of advanced OH^- storage critically depends on the delicate TMP designs, particularly their chemical composition and structure. Herein, a synergistic engineering approach based on metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived C-coated bimetallic phosphides and P vacancies (Pv) was proposed. Using a Ni-Co-based MOF, a one-step high-temperature carbonization and phosphidation method was employed as the precursor to prepare a rose-like Ni_1-xCo_xP composite (Ni_1-xCoₓP@NC), comprising a N-doped carbon (NC) coating and Pv. Physical characterization and theoretical calculations indicated that the open structure with porous Ni_1-xCo_xP@NC nanosheets originating from high-temperature pyrolysis of Ni-Co-based MOF provides abundant redox-active sites, and the NC layer offers excellent mechanical support for persistent electron/OH^- transfer. The bimetallic phosphides, surface Pv, and NC coating synergistically enhance the electrical conductivity of TMPs, reduce the energy barriers for OH^- adsorption, and accelerate charge-transfer kinetics. The prepared Ni_1-xCo_xP @NC electrode possessing an open architecture exhibits a high specific capacitance (2,108 F g^-1 at 1 A g^-1) and excellent rate capability (1,710 F g^-1 at 10 A g^-1). Furthermore, the assembled active carbon//Ni_1-xCo_xP P@NC hybrid supercapacitor demonstrates an energy density of 37.7 Wh kg^-1 at a power density of 750 W kg^-1. Our study presents a promising strategy for modifying TMP electrodes to realize efficient and stable OH^- storage in hybrid supercapacitors.

Keywords

Ni-Co bimetallic phosphides / P vacancies / rose-like open structures / OH^- storage / hybrid supercapacitors

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