Abstract
Prereduction of transition metal oxides is a feasible and efficient strategy to enhance their catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution. Unfortunately, the prereduction via the common H2 annealing method is unstable for nanomaterials during the hydrogen evolution process. Here, using NiMoO4 nanowire arrays as the example, it is demonstrated that carbon plasma (C-plasma) treatment can greatly enhance both the catalytic activity and the long-term stability of transition metal oxides for hydrogen evolution. The C-plasma treatment has two functions at the same time: it induces partial surface reduction of the NiMoO4 nanowire to form Ni4 Mo nanoclusters, and simultaneously deposits a thin graphitic carbon shell. As a result, the C-plasma treated NiMoO4 can maintain its array morphology, chemical composition, and catalytic activity during long-term intermittent hydrogen evolution process. This work may pave a new way for simultaneous activation and stabilization of transition metal oxide-based electrocatalysts.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.