Molybdenum Carbide Anchored on Graphene Nanoribbons\nas Highly Efficient All-pH Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalyst

Abstract

The demand for exploiting hydrogen\nas a new energy source has driven\nthe development of feasible, efficient, and low-cost electrocatalysts\nfor hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in different reaction media.\nHerein, we report the synthesis of molybdenum carbide (Mo₂C) nanoparticles anchored on graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) as HER electrocatalyst\nthat can function well under acidic, basic, and neutral conditions.\nGNRs obtained by unzipping carbon nanotubes (CNTs) display strip-like\nstructure, offering abundant active sites for growing Mo₂C nanoparticles. Furthermore, GNRs could provide a fast electron\ntransport pathway as well as large exposed surface area to allow full\nimpregnation of electrolytes. Coupling with the anticorrosion feature\nof Mo₂C nanoparticles, the Mo₂C–GNR hybrid\nexhibits outstanding electrocatalytic performance in all of the acidic,\nbasic, and neutral media, making it promising as a highly efficient\nelectrocatalyst under conditions at all pH values.