Mo₂C promoted electrocatalysis of the Pt/Mo₂C (C) heterostructure for a superior hydrogen evolution reaction

Constructing a unique electrochemical interface to enhance the catalytic capacity of Pt-based catalysts is indispensable for wider application of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, platinum-analogous molybdenum carbide (Mo₂C) was combined with a lower content of Pt to construct the Pt/Mo₂C (C) heterostructure via a solid-phase method, using ammonium molybdate as the precursor. Vulcan-C served as a support to promote the distribution of the Pt and Mo₂C heterostructure, and cooperative effects between Pt and the Mo₂C heterostructure contributed to the significantly improved catalytic capacity of Pt. The obtained Pt/Mo₂C (C) exhibits superior HER activity and enhanced long-term durability in the acidic medium, with a low overpotential of 38 mV at 10 mA cm^-2 and a low Tafel slope of 24 mV dec^-1. In particular, a drastically enhanced amount of H₂ production can be achieved (6837.28 mmol h^-1 g^-1). This facile approach not only provides a new pathway for constructing novel heterostructures but also gives an insight into the design of cost-effective Pt-based materials for an efficient HER.