Synthesis of Chevrel phase $$(\hbox {Cu}_{1.8}\hbox {Mo}_{6}\hbox {S}_{8})$$ ( Cu 1.8 Mo 6 S 8 ) in composite with molybdenum carbide for hydrogen evolution reactions

Abstract

Sustainable hydrogen generation from water electrolysis using renewable energy sources is the most promising pathway for future energy and hydrogen economy. Here, the Chevrel phase $$(\hbox {Cu}_{1.8}\hbox {Mo}_{6}\hbox {S}_{8})$$ was synthesized in composite with $$\hbox {Mo}_{2}\hbox {C}$$ and good hydrogen evolution activity in acidic media has been demonstrated. Bundles of nanowires were formed in the templated synthesis route. The composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis. Detailed electrochemical analysis reveals that MCS-Cu50 composite exhibits higher hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity with $$71.4\,\hbox {mA}\,\mathrm{cm}^{-2}$$ current density at an overpotential of 400 mV. It requires 250 mV overpotential to produce $$10\,\hbox {mA}\,\mathrm{cm}^{-2}$$ current density for HER.