Efficient Hydrogen Production over Molybdenum Tungsten Bimetallic Oxide NF/PMonW12–n Catalyst on Nickel Foam

Developing inexpensive, efficient, and stable catalysts is crucial for reducing the cost of electrolytic hydrogen production. Recently, polyoxometalates (POMs) have gained attention and widespread use due to their excellent electrocatalytic properties. This study designed and synthesized three composite materials, NF/PMo_nW_12-n, by using phosphomolybdic-tungstic heteropolyacids as precursors to grow in situ on nickel foam via the hydrothermal process and subsequent calcination. Then, their catalytic performances are systematically investigated. This work demonstrates that the NF/PMo_nW_12-n catalysts generate more low valent oxides under the synergistic effect of Mo and W, further enhancing activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Among these electrocatalysts, NF/PMo₆W₆ exhibits the perfect HER performance, η₁₀ is only 74 mV. It also shows great stability during long-term electrolysis. The current study introduces a fresh approach for producing electrocatalysts that are both cost-effective and highly efficient.