Hierarchical bimetallic electrocatalysts derived from polyoxometalate for hydrogen evolution reaction

To enhance the production efficiency of efficiency energy sources, it is an imperative way to develop cost-effective and stable electrocatalysts by electrochemical energy conversion systems. Here, we propose a straightforward one-step synthetic method for fabricating a greatly efficient bimetallic hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst, named as Co/Mo₂C@NC. Co/Mo₂C@NC demonstrates excellent catalytic activity in basic and acidic electrolyte, showing overpotentials (<em>η</em>₁₀) of 115 and 121 mV. Moreover, Co/Mo₂C@NC exhibits good stability exceeding 100 hours. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the C atom of Mo₂C possesses the best catalytic active site with the proper Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption approaching 0 eV. Furthermore, Mo₂C also possesses exceptional mechanical properties, ensuring durability during the HER process. This study holds experimental significance to develop simple bimetallic electrocatalysts to ameliorate the slow kinetics of hydrogen evolution.