Ultralow Pt Loaded Molybdenum Dioxide/Carbon Nanotubes for Highly Efficient and Durable Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

Efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is one of the most promising ways to low-cost hydrogen production in the future. However, it is still a challenge to develop efficient, durable, and affordable catalysts. In this paper, we choose ultrasmall Pt nanoclusters, metallic MoO2 semiconductor, and conductive material with ultralow Pt loadings as an active and durable catalyst for HER in acid media. The obtained 0.5 wt % Pt–MoO2/MWCNTs catalyst with ultralow Pt loadings exhibits high-efficiency electrocatalytic activity and excellent stability. Benefiting from the space confinement effect and good electric conductivity of metallic MoO2 and MWCNTs, the HER activity of as-made 0.5 wt % Pt–MoO2/MWCNTs catalyst is comparable to that of commercial 20 wt % Pt/C catalyst. Remarkably, the strong interaction between metallic Pt and MoO2 support can prevent the aggregation of Pt species; the 0.5 wt % Pt–MoO2/MWCNTs sample shows better stability than 0.5 wt % Pt–MWCNTs and commercial 20 wt % Pt/C. ...