A New Platinum‐Like Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction at All pH: Single‐Crystal Metallic Interweaved V₈C₇ Networks

Abstract

Abstract Exploring low‐cost hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts with remarkable activity over wide pH range (0–14) still remains an enormous challenge. Herein, for the first time, a novel platinum‐like, double‐deck carbon coated V 8 C 7 networks with the highly active (110) facet exposed as a new efficient HER electrocatalyst is reported. The single‐crystal interweaved V 8 C 7 networks are designed and fabricated based on a low crystal‐mismatch strategy and confinement effect of double‐deck carbon coating. In addition, electrochemical tests and theoretical simulation indicate that the metallic character of V 8 C 7 , high‐activity of exposed facet, and low barrier energy for water dissociation can contribute to highly catalytic activity of HER. Impressively, the HER performances of the interweaved V 8 C 7 networks can be comparable to those of Pt at an all‐pH environment, with Tafel slopes of 44, 64, and 34.5 mV dec −1 and overpotential of 47, 77, and 38 mV at −10 mA cm −2 in 1 m KOH, 0.1 m phosphate buffer, and 0.5 m H 2 SO 4 , respectively. This work provides a blueprint for exploring new‐type platinum‐like catalysts for various energy conversion systems.