Pt and Mo2C nanoparticles embedded in hollow carbon nanofibers as an effective electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic and alkaline electrolytes

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 1005; p. 176019
• Main Authors: Wang, Shuang, Wang, Lili, He, Wurigamula, Liu, Dongyan, Wang, Hexuan, Yu, Wensheng, Yin, Duanduan, Dong, Xiangting
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15-11-2024
• Subjects: Coaxial electrospinning; Hollow carbon nanofibers; Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER); Mo2C; Pt-based electrocatalyst; Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER); Pt-based electrocatalyst; Coaxial electrospinning; Mo2C; Hollow carbon nanofibers
• ISSN: 0925-8388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2024.176019

Efficient catalysts for water electrolysis are essential for the advancement of hydrogen energy, aiding in carbon neutrality. Herein, a novel Pt and Mo2C embedded in hollow carbon nanofibers (referred to as Pt/Mo2C-HCNFs) electrocatalyst is devised and manufactured by coaxial electrostatic spinning and subsequent carbonization process in this work. Molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) and Pt share similar electronic structures, Mo2C is thought to be a possible alternative to Pt in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The synergistic interaction between Pt nanoparticles (NPs) and Mo2C NPs, the abundance of active sites, the hollow structure, the exceptional conductivity of carbon nanofibers, and the suppression of nanoparticle agglomeration by carbon nanofibers jointly make Pt/Mo2C-HCNFs exhibit excellent HER performances in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes. At a current density of 10 mA cm−2, the overpotentials of Pt/Mo2C-HCNFs in acidic and alkaline electrolytes are respectively 27 and 41 mV, demonstrating superior HER performance compared to commercial 20 wt% Pt/C. Electrocatalytic mechanisms are reasonably advanced. The formative mechanisms of the Pt/Mo2C-HCNFs are proposed, and corresponding technology is founded. This work offers a novel approach for synthesizing simple, efficient, and cost-effective Pt-based electrocatalysts.
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•HCNFs have large specific surface area to expose more active sites.•Pt and Mo2C are embedded in a HCNFs to avoid the aggregation of the nanoparticles.•The synergistic effect between Pt and Mo2C NPs can improve the HER performance.•Electronic structure of Mo2C is regulated by Pt to boost HER performance.•Pt/Mo2C-HCNFs with Pt content is 6.95 wt%, displays best HER active to reduce cost.