Graphene Porous Foam Loaded with Molybdenum Carbide Nanoparticulate Electrocatalyst for Effective Hydrogen Generation

Abstract

A facile method is developed for the synthesis of graphene porous foam (Gr PF) loaded with dispersed molybdenum carbide (Mo2 C) nanoparticles; the material exhibits effective catalytic activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Mo2 C/Gr PF is synthesized by the carbonization of glucose and the carbothermal reduction of hexaammonium molybdate in a confined space defined by the intervals between sodium chloride nanoparticles. The synthesis in the confined space results in thin Gr PF (≈8 nm) loaded with aggregation-free small Mo2 C nanoparticles [(13±2) nm]. The overpotential required for a current density of 20 mA cm(-2) in the electrochemical hydrogen generation is as small as 199 mV in acidic solution and 380 mV in basic solution. The performance is superior to that of a Mo2 C/C composite and compares favorably to those reported for Mo2 C nanostructures. The Mo2 C/Gr PF affords stable water electrolysis in both acidic and basic solution and exhibits nearly 100 % faradaic efficiency. The prominent performance, long-term stability, and high faradic efficiency make Mo2 C/Gr PF a promising HER catalyst for practical hydrogen generation from water electrolysis.

Keywords: carbides; graphene; hydrogen; molybdenum; nanoparticles.