Self-supported MoO2/Ni Heterostructures as Highly Efficient Electrocatalysts for Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
摘要
Hydrogen energy, with its high energy density and diverse application scenarios, is an important part of the renewable energy system. Hydrogen production from water electrolysis technology achieves efficient conversion of hydrogen energy through electrochemical dissociation of water molecules. However, precious metal catalysts (Pt/C, IrO2, etc.) for cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are expensive and scarce. Therefore, recent research focuses on the development of cost-effective non-precious metal-based electrocatalysts. In this work, a heterostructured MoO2/Ni electrocatalysts (NM600) was synthesized via a plasma strategy, demonstrating exceptional HER performance and stability. The electrocatalyst achieves a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an ultralow overpotential of 76 mV and exhibits exceptional long-term stability for 163 h in alkaline media, significantly outperforming control samples. The H2-plasma treatment was pivotal in tailoring interfacial electronic interactions and defect-rich surfaces, which collectively optimize active site exposure and durability. This study establishes heterostructure engineering combined with plasma processing as a transformative approach for designing non-precious metal catalysts, offering a scalable pathway toward high-performance, cost-effective hydrogen production technologies.