Cobalt nanoparticles encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (Co@N-C) are obtained by a simple pyrolysis of Co-MOF (ZIF-67) for the bifunctional water recovery and hydrogen production. The results showed that calcination temperature of ZIF-67 significantly affected the morphology and catalytic performance. Wastewater are effectively recovered in the presence of the Co N-C and oxidant, which is promoted by anodic oxidation reactions. Co@N-C as the cathode catalyst exhibited excellent hydrogen evolution reaction catalytic activity with a low onset potential of -51 mV (vs. RHE, current density of 0.5 mA/cm(2)), Tafel slope of 96.73 mV/dec and extraordinary long-term durability. Finally, as a proof of concept, a home-made two-electrode device employed Co@N-C as both anode and cathode catalyst for continuous water recovery and simultaneous hydrogen production, which possesses the possibly applications in solving the environmental pollution and energy crisis. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.