Synthesis of Mo₂C/MoC/C nanocomposite for hydrogen evolution reaction

Our energy sources such as fossil fuels and coal are limited and cause air pollution. Hydrogen has been promoted as an alternative source of energy, which is renewable, cost-effective, and nature-friendly. Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) can be used for the mass production of hydrogen at a very low cost. An active and efficient electrocatalyst is required to perform this reaction. To date, platinum (Pt) shows the highest efficiency; however, its high cost and low abundance hinder its large-scale uses. Molybdenum carbide has a similar electronic structure as that of platinum (Pt); hence, it shows high electrocatalytic activity towards HER. In this study, Mo₂C/MoC/C composite has been synthesized using magnesium as a reducing agent. Carbon provides a highly conducting environment to Mo₂C and MoC nanoparticles, and hence, the electrochemical performance is enhanced. The prepared sample shows a small Tafel slope of 125.5 mV/dec and long-term stability up to 5000 cyclic voltammetry cycles.