Biomass-derived carbon nanosheets coupled with MoO2/Mo2C electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

Transition metal carbide such as molybdenum carbide has been widely used in electrolytic water for hydrogen production due to its potential catalytic property. The synthesis of molybdenum carbide-based high-efficient catalysts by simple process remains great challenges. Herein, Mo oxide/carbide material with hybrid morphology was synthesized by carbonizing mixture of lotus roots and Mo salt. The as-obtained material consists of MoO 2 /Mo 2 C (MOMC) anchored on biomass-derived nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) matrix. The results show that as-prepared material displays leaf-like and belt-like nanosheets, and the MOMC/NC catalyst with optimal Mo contents exhibits an excellent activity with a low overpotential of 138 mV to drive 10 mA cm −2 and Tafel slope is 56.7 mV dec −1 in alkaline medium, indicating that as-prepared catalyst will have promising application in the field of catalysis. • Ultrasmall MoO 2 /Mo 2 C NPs were synthesized by carbonizing lotus roots and Mo salt. • Biomass-derived carbon consists of leaf-like and belt-like nanosheets. • The as-obtained MoO 2 /Mo 2 C/C exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity and stability for HER. • As-synthesized material is a promising noble metal-free electrocatalyst served as HER.