Dense Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles loaded CuMoO4 nanocube heterostructure array: An efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Designing ultrahigh energy density and mass-loading of electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution is highly desirable but remains a great challenge. Herein, a 3D high-rise architectural structure consisting of dense Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles on CuMoO4 nanocube heterostructure arrays on Ni foam (Ni(OH)2/CuMoO4/NF) is developed via a hydrothermal reaction, calcination and electrodeposition method. Benefitting from the optimized electronic configuration, hierarchical high-rise architecture, and large specific surface area and mesoporous, the Ni(OH)2/CuMoO4/NF exhibits superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity in 1.0 M KOH solution. Ni(OH)2/CuMoO4/NF only requires low overpotential of 70 mV achieving a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a low Tafel slope of 80 mV dec−1, and superior long-term stability toward HER. This work provides a new structural design to high-rise architectural structures for efficient catalytic application.