Recent progress of molybdenum carbide based electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for large-scale, clean hydrogen production.
• High overpotential at the anode limits HER efficiency, necessitating advanced electrocatalysts.
• Molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) exhibits unique properties making it a strong candidate for HER electrocatalysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the progress of molybdenum carbide-based catalysts for HER.
• To discuss the impact of structural modifications (phase, nanostructure, heterostructure) and doping on catalytic performance.
• To analyze catalytic mechanisms using experimental and theoretical data.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of molybdenum carbide catalysts for HER.
• Analysis of structure-property relationships through characterization techniques.
• Theoretical calculations to elucidate catalytic mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Molybdenum carbide demonstrates significant potential for HER electrocatalysis.
• Phase structure, nanostructure, heterostructures, and heteroatom doping are key factors influencing catalytic activity.
• Catalytic mechanisms are better understood through integrated experimental and theoretical approaches.

Conclusions:

• Molybdenum carbide-based materials are effective electrocatalysts for HER.
• Tailoring material structure and composition can optimize HER performance.
• Further research is needed to overcome challenges and advance molybdenum carbide catalysts for practical hydrogen production.