Synthesis of Mo 2 C and W 2 C Nanoparticle Electrocatalysts for the Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Alkali and Acid Electrolytes.

Authors :: Hussain S
Vikraman D
Feroze A
Song W
An KS
Kim HS
Chun SH
Jung J
Source :: Frontiers in chemistry [Front Chem] 2019 Oct 25; Vol. 7, pp. 716. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Oct 25 (Print Publication: 2019).
Publication Year :: 2019
Abstract: The synthesis of low cost, high efficacy, and durable hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts from the non-noble metal group is a major challenge. Herein, we establish a simple and inexpensive chemical reduction method for producing molybdenum carbide (Mo <subscript>2</subscript> C) and tungsten carbide (W <subscript>2</subscript> C) nanoparticles that are efficient electrocatalysts in alkali and acid electrolytes for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). Mo <subscript>2</subscript> C exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic behavior with an overpotential of -134 mV in acid medium and of -116 mV in alkaline medium, while W <subscript>2</subscript> C nanoparticles require an overpotential of -173 mV in acidic medium and -130 mV in alkaline medium to attain a current density of 10 mA cm <superscript>-2</superscript> . The observed results prove the capability of high- and low-pH active electrocatalysts of Mo <subscript>2</subscript> C and W <subscript>2</subscript> C nanoparticles to be efficient systems for hydrogen production through HER water electrolysis.<br /> (Copyright © 2019 Hussain, Vikraman, Feroze, Song, An, Kim, Chun and Jung.)

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