Its superior performance is attributed to the complex heterostructured morphology with coexisting crystalline and amorphous phases. Additionally, the modulation of the Co active site chemistry and ligand field due to the incorporation of both, boron and phosphorous species, promotes extrinsic and intrinsic catalytic activity and reduced charge transfer resistance. The comprehensive investigation unraveled the complex interplay between morphology, crystal structure, chemistry and bonding required for the successful production of highly efficient electrocatalysts. This work demonstrated a quite simple synthesis strategy and facilitates the development of more complex earth-abundant transition metal electrocatalysts with high activity toward electrochemical reactions for water splitting.