Abstract
Molybdenum based materials have recently emerged as highly active non-noble metal electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) [1, 2]. Molybdenum borides in contrary have not been studied for their HER activity at the nanoscale, however, they were recently shown to be already efficient HER catalysts in the bulk [3]. In this study, we have successfully synthesized nanocrystalline molybdenum boride nanowires (MoB) and nanospheres (MoB2) using a simple, one-step, solid state reaction. The structural and morphological characterizations were studied using XRD, XPS and electron microscopy. The obtained molybdenum borides nanostructures were tested for their electrocatalytic activity for HER in acidic conditions. We found that, nanoscale MoB2 exhibits a low onset overpotential and low Tafel slope value compared to nanoscale MoB indicating a boron- and structural dependency of these nanoborides for the HER. Also, the onset overpotential and Tafel slope values obtained represent a significant improvement from those observed for the already highly active bulk borides [3], thus opening a new avenue for inexpensive nanoscale metal boride nanomaterials as highly efficient non-noble metal HER catalysts.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
