Ru Nanoparticle-Anchored MoP@Mo Composites for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Acidic and Alkaline Media

Exploiting low-cost electrocatalysts with highly efficient and stable catalytic activity in both acidic and alkaline solutions is the key to the large-scale application of hydrogen production by water electrolysis. Here, Ru nanoparticle-anchored MoP@Mo composites were synthesized by high-temperature phosphorization combined with the photodeposition method. Ru/MoP@Mo as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction exhibited a Pt-like electrocatalytic activity, including low overpotentials of 54 and 52 mV at a 10 mA·cm–2 current density in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1.0 M KOH solutions, respectively, small Tafel slopes, and long-term stability at a current density of 10 mA·cm–2. Meanwhile, theoretical calculations revealed that the excellent catalytic activity of Ru/MoP@Mo was ascribed to the strong electronic interaction between Ru and MoP, which optimizes the adsorption tension of H on the surface and thereby accelerates the adsorption and desorption of H. This work provides a new strategy for preparing Mo-based HER electrocatalysts with high catalytic activity in both acidic and alkaline environments.