Janus (Mo/β-Mo2C)@C heterostructure as an efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic and alkaline media. (29th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhu, Weiwei; Jiang, Zhongya; Peng, Xiang; Li, Zhaorong; Woldu, Abebe Reda; Lu, Fushen; Fang, Yiwen; Chu, Paul K; Hu, Liangsheng
• Is Part Of: Nanotechnology. Volume 34:Number 5(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01-29
• Subjects: janus (Mo/β-Mo2C)@C heterojunction -- electrocatalyst -- hydrogen evolution reaction -- magnesium thermic reaction; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology; Publications périodiques; Nanotechnologies; Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac9fdc
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-4484

Abstract

Abstract: To explore low-cost, high-efficiency, and noble-metal-free catalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting in both acidic and alkaline media, the metal-metal carbide Janus hierarchical structure comprising Mo and β -Mo2 C embedded on a carbon layer (Mo/ β -Mo2 C)@C is synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction and subsequent low-temperature magnesium thermic process. Systematic characterization by XRD, XPS, Raman scattering, and SEM/TEM reveals the successful formation of metallic Mo and β -Mo2 C nanoparticles. The synthesized (Mo/ β -Mo2 C)@C has a large specific surface area and boasts highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction activity including low overpotentials of 152 and 171 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm −2 and small Tafel slopes of 51.7 and 63.5 mV dec −1 in acidic and alkaline media, respectively. In addition, the catalyst shows outstanding stability for 48 h in both acidic and alkaline media. The excellent catalytic activity originates from more active sites and greater electron conductivity bestowed by the carbon layer, which also improves the long-term stability in both acidic and alkaline solutions.