Self-supported Mo0.2Co0.8P nanowire arrays on carbon cloth as a high-performance and durable hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalyst in wide-range pH

摘要

Exploring an efficient non-noble metal catalyst for hydrogen production by electrolysis of water is one of the effective ways to solve energy shortage and environmental problems. Herein, we report a Mo0.2Co0.8P nanowires based on carbon cloth (Mo0.2Co0.8P NWAs/CC) as an efficient HER catalyst in wide-range pH, via facile hydrothermal and phosphorization methods. This Mo0.2Co0.8P NWAs/CC exhibits the outstanding electrocatalytic performance with low overpotentials of 60 and 66 mV at 10 mA cm?2 and small Tafel slopes of 69.5 and 78.3 mV dec?1 in acidic and alkaline solution, respectively. Moreover, the long-term stability of Mo0.2Co0.8P NWAs/CC also presents excellent for 50 h at ?10. The superior electrochemical properties of Mo0.2Co0.8P NWAs/CC material are attributed to its smaller nanoscale, lattice defects and distortions, and strong synergistic effect between Co and Mo atoms. This work provides an effective electrocatalyst for the water electrolysis process.