Tuning the Composition and Structure of Ni@MoC Nanosheets for Highly Active and Stable Electrocatalysis in Water Splitting

Abstract

The conventional electrolytic water‐splitting process for hydrogen production is plagued by high energy consumption, low efficiency, and the requirement of expensive catalysts. Therefore, finding effective, affordable, and stable catalysts to drive this reaction is urgently needed. We report a nanosheet catalyst composed of carbon nanotubes encapsulated with MoC/Mo2C, the Ni@MoC‐700 nanosheet showcases low overpotentials of 275 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction and 173 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction at a current density of 10 mA cm‐2. Particularly noteworthy is its outstanding performance in a two‐electrode system, where a cell potential of merely 1.64 V is sufficient to achieve the desired current density of 10 mA cm‐2. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrates exceptional durability, maintaining its activity over a continuous operation of 40 hours with only minimal attenuation in overpotential. These outstanding activity levels and long‐term stability unequivocally highlight the promising potential of the Ni@MoC‐700 catalyst for large‐scale water‐splitting applications.