Microwave-pulse sugar-blowing assisted synthesis of 2D transition metal carbides for sustainable hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial to clean fuel production. Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides (TMCs) are promising HER electrocatalysts by their excellent intrinsic catalytic activity. However, the synthesis of 2D TMCs requires prolonged high-temperature conditions or rigorous etching processes. Here we achieved an ultra-fast and facile synthesis of ultra-thin carbon-terminated 2D TMCs via a microwave-pulse sugar-blowing method. A series of 2D TMCs are obtained rapidly within 3 min. This method accurately adjusts carbon-layer thickness and facilitates the formation of 2D structures. Accordingly, the electrocatalytic HER activity and stability of TMCs are significantly improved. The 2D W2C with 1 nm carbon-layer thickness shows high HER activity and ultra-long durability (100 h) in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes. Furthermore, this microwave-pulse method is a generic synthesis strategy that is demonstrated by the successful preparation of 2D WC, Mo2C and MoC.