The Rational Design of Mo/MoC₁₋<i>_x</i> Nanorods as Highly Active Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

Abstract Exploring efficient Pt‐free hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalyst with low cost and earth‐abundance is a critical challenge. Herein, highly active and stable Mo/α‐MoC 1− x catalyst is synthesized via a simple pyrolysis of a MoO 3 /ethylenediamine hybrid precursor in reductive atmosphere. The as‐prepared Mo/α‐MoC 1− x shows excellent HER activity with a low onset potential of −75 mV (vs reversible hydrogen electrode), a small Tafel slope of 81.7 mV dec −1 , as well as good stability in acid electrolytes owing to the synergistic effect of Mo and α‐MoC 1− x . This novel structure is a candidate for other energy related fields and this simple synthesis method can be further applied for the synthesis of other hybrid catalysts.