Polymers and polyoxometalate induced Co/WC@NC for electrocatalytic hydrogen production

With the increase of energy consumption and serious environmental problems, hydrogen is an ideal substitute for primary energies, as a renewable energy source. It is critical to develop low-cost hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts with excellent catalytic activity and stability. In this paper, the electrocatalyst Co/WC@NC, Co and WC nanoparticles coated by N-doped carbon layers, was synthesized via one-step calcination process. Co/WC@NC reveals efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance with the overpotentials of 158 ​mV and 178 ​mV to reach the current density of 10 ​mA ​cm-2 in 0.5 ​M ​H2SO4 and 1.0 ​M KOH, corresponding Tafel slopes of 88 and 98 ​mV dec-1. Otherwise, Co/WC@NC appears stability for 24 ​h in acidic and alkaline solutions, respectively. The satisfactory HER performance of Co/WC@NC is principally due to synergy between the multiple components. As well as, the graphitic carbon layers will protect the electrocatalyst from corrosion in acidic and alkaline solutions, thus enhancing the stability. This study provides an experimental basis to devise and preparation of efficient and durability electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions.