Metal-organic framework derived Ni/Mo2C/Mo2TiC2Tx@NC as an efficient electrocatalyst for enhanced hydrogen production

Metal-organic framework's (MOF) shortcomings, such as poor conductivity, poor stability, and easy aggregation, impede its development in various application fields. Ni/Mo2C/Mo2TiC2Tx@NC, a high-performance electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction, was prepared by incorporating a Mo2TiC2Tx MXene conductive matrix into MOF (namely C–Y). The Ni/Mo2C/Mo2TiC2Tx@NC electrocatalyst demonstrates a remarkable HER ability with an overpotential of 105 and 134 mV and Tafel slope of 58 and 75 mV dec−1 at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1.0 M KOH, respectively. The outperformed HER activity of Ni/Mo2C/Mo2TiC2Tx@NC catalyst is ascribe to the introduction of conductive Mo2TiC2Tx MXene as a carrier to improve the poor conductivity of MOF, the synergistic effect of Ni and Mo2C nanoparticles, and the protective effect of the carbon layer. The work not only provides an experimental approach to address the problem of poor conductivity of MOF, but also provides a high-performance electrocatalyst for HER reactions. By utilizing MOFs and MXene as the precursor and the conducting carrier, our work provides some experimental reference for fabrication of multi-component inexpensive electrocatalysts.