Few-layered MoN–MnO heterostructures with interfacial-O synergistic active centers boosting electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Coupling metal oxides with heterostructured catalysts have been regarded as a promising strategy for promoting the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, it remains a great challenge for optimal H adsorption and fast reaction kinetics. Herein, we fabricated few-layered MoN–MnO heterostructure catalysts implanted with interfacial-O configuration as synergistic sites. The unique structure promotes charge redistribution in the coupled boundary, which regulates the adsorption strength of H and synergistically interacts with nitrides for optimal H adsorption. Combined with a few-layered (5 layers, 3.5 nm) curved structure, the MoN–MnO electrode exhibits surpassed-Pt activity for HER under alkaline and neutral conditions. First-principles calculations indicate that the interfacial configuration is superactive and favorable for H adsorption. This work contributes to the understanding of heterostructured catalysts for promoting activity, and presents a new strategy to design interfacial engineering catalysts.