Constructing self-supported Pt/MoO2 on molybdenum mesh for a highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

It is an effective strategy to enhance platinum (Pt) utilization and lower the catalyst cost by loading Pt on a self-supported electrode. In this work, we employ a molybdenum (Mo) mesh both as the source of Mo and the self-supported electrode. Through a successful combination of the spray and calcination methods, Pt is efficiently loaded onto the self-supported molybdenum dioxide (MoO₂) electrode, achieving a Pt loading content of only ∼0.67 wt%. Simultaneously, three-dimensional (3D) MoO₂ exhibits a structure comprised of nanosheets, each possessing perforations. As expected, the prepared electrocatalyst demonstrates exceptional performance, manifesting an overpotential of 26.8 mV at −10 mA cm⁻², a Tafel slope of 59.2 mV dec⁻¹, and a noteworthy durability of over 240 hours. Both experimental studies and theoretical calculations affirm that the catalyst's outstanding performance stems from the strong interaction between Pt and MoO₂, the distinctive structure of MoO₂ with perforated nanosheets, and the self-supporting characteristics of the electrode. This work introduces an efficient method for constructing self-supporting heterojunctions, thereby advancing the development of electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution.