Bimetallic Carbides-Based Nanocomposite as Superior Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Highly efficient and low-cost oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts are essential for advancing new energy technologies.
• Transition metal carbides show promise for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) but require further investigation for OER applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate a novel cobalt-molybdenum-based bimetallic carbide as an efficient OER electrocatalyst.
• To investigate the structural and compositional factors influencing the OER activity of the synthesized material.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a cobalt-molybdenum-based bimetallic carbide (Co6Mo6C2) coated with N-doped porous carbon and anchored on N-doped reduced graphene oxide (NCRGO).
• Direct carbonization of cobalt-doped polyoxometalate/conductive polymer/graphene oxide (Co-PCG) precursors.
• Precise control of the Co/Mo molar ratio in precursors to achieve a pure phase Co6Mo6C2.

Main Results:

• The synthesized Co6Mo6C2/NCRGO composite exhibited excellent OER activity in alkaline solution.
• Achieved a low overpotential of 260 mV vs. RHE at 10 mA cm-2 and a small Tafel slope of 50 mV dec-1.
• Demonstrated long-term stability, attributed to the active Co6Mo6C2 particles, N-doped porous carbon, and conductive RGO films.

Conclusions:

• The Co6Mo6C2/NCRGO composite represents a highly active and robust OER electrocatalyst.
• This study provides the first evidence of bimetallic carbides exhibiting high OER activity.
• The findings highlight the potential of precisely engineered bimetallic carbides for electrochemical energy applications.