Synthesis of Chevrel phase (Cu$_{1.8}$Mo$_6$S$_8$) in composite with molybdenum carbide for hydrogen evolution reactions

[摘要] 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 (Cu$_{1.8}$Mo$_6$S$_8$) was synthesized in composite with Mo$_2$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 compositeexhibits higher hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity with 71.4 mA cm$^{−2}$ current density at an overpotential of 400 mV. It requires 250 mV overpotential to produce 10 mA cm$^{−2}$ current density for HER.

[学科分类] 材料工程

[关键词] Cu$_{1.8}$Mo$_6$S$_8$;Chevrel phase;molybdenum carbide;hydrogen evolution reactions.