Hierarchical bimetallic electrocatalysts derived from polyoxometalate for hydrogen evolution reaction

The development of cost-effective and stable electrocatalysts using electrochemical energy conversion systems is an effective strategy for enhancing the efficiency of energy production. In this study, we propose a straightforward one-step synthetic method for fabricating an efficient bimetallic hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst, named Co/Mo₂C@NC. Co/Mo₂C@NC exhibits excellent catalytic activity in basic and acidic electrolytes with overpotentials (η₁₀) of 115 and 121 mV, respectively. Furthermore, Co/Mo₂C@NC exhibits good stability, maintaining its performance for over 100 h. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the C atoms on Mo₂C provide the best catalytic active sites, with the Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption approaching 0 eV. Furthermore, Mo₂C possesses exceptional mechanical properties, ensuring the durability of the catalyst during the hydrogen evolution reaction. This study holds experimental significance for developing simple bimetallic electrocatalysts to improve the slow kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction.