Dicobalt phosphide nanoparticles encased in boron and nitrogen co-doped graphitic layers as novel non-precious metal oxygen reduction electrocatalysts in alkaline media.

Dicobalt phosphide nanoparticles encased in boron and nitrogen co-doped graphitic layers (BNC/Co2P) were fabricated using a one-step pyrolysis method, which exhibited outstanding electrocatalytic ORR performance comparable to commercial Pt/C towards the oxygen reduction reaction via a four-electron pathway in alkaline solution with long-term stability and excellent methanol tolerance.