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Molybdenum Carbide Nanoparticles on Carbon Nanotubes and Carbon Xerogel: Low‐Cost Cathodes for Hydrogen Production by Alkaline Water Electrolysis
Author(s) -
Šljukić Biljana,
Santos Diogo M. F.,
Vujković Milica,
Amaral Luís,
Rocha Raquel P.,
Sequeira César A. C.,
Figueiredo José L.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201501651
Subject(s) - tafel equation , carbon nanotube , electrolysis , hydrogen production , electrolyte , materials science , electrolysis of water , cyclic voltammetry , aqueous solution , carbon fibers , electrochemistry , inorganic chemistry , nanoparticle , carbide , hydrogen , molybdenum , chemical engineering , chemistry , electrode , nanotechnology , metallurgy , composite material , organic chemistry , composite number , engineering
Low‐cost molybdenum carbide (Mo 2 C) nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and on carbon xerogel (CXG) were prepared and their activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was evaluated in 8 m KOH aqueous electrolyte at 25–85 °C. Measurements of the HER by linear scan voltammetry allowed us to determine Tafel slopes of 71 and 74 mV dec −1 at 25 °C for Mo 2 C/CNT and Mo 2 C/CXG, respectively. Stability tests were also performed, which showed the steady performance of the two electrocatalysts. Moreover, the HER kinetics at Mo 2 C/CNT was enhanced significantly after the long‐term stability tests. The specific activity of both materials was high, and a higher stability was obtained for the activated Mo 2 C/CNT (40 A g −1 at −0.40 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode).