NiMoO4 @Co3S4 nanorods with core-shell structure for efficient hydrogen evolution reactions in electrocatalysts

High-efficiency electrocatalysts are required for the hydrogen evolution reaction processes used in clean-energy applications. Single-component materials have limited physicochemical properties and do not meet the requirements of high-performance material applications. More complex materials must therefore be developed for these purposes. This study involves growing flower cluster-like NiMoO 4 nanorod arrays on reduced graphene oxide-modified nickel foam (NF/rGO) substrates by a simple two-step hydrothermal method, followed by NiMoO 4 nanorod modification with Co 3 S 4 nanoparticles, to achieve an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) strategy for NF/rGO/NiMoO 4 @Co 3 S 4 core-shell structure composite catalysts. The proposed vertically aligned NiMoO 4 nanorods served as the core framework, providing abundant specific surface area and fast charge transfer channels. The Co 3 S 4 particles grown on the NiMoO 4 nanorods provided sufficient electrochemical active sites for full contact with the electrolyte solution. In the 1.0 M KOH solution, the NF/rGO/NiMoO 4 @Co 3 S 4 core-shell structure exhibited a low overpotential of 40 mV for HER at a current density of 10 mA cm −2 . These properties indicate that the proposed material could be used in HER processes in energy applications. • Electrocatalysts required for high-efficiency hydrogen precipitation reactions • Core-shell-structured NiMoO 4 @Co 3 S 4 nanorods fabricated on rGO-coated nickel foam • Material made using chemical reduction and a simple two-step hydrothermal method • rGO improved conductivity and surface functional properties of nanofoam substrate • NiMoO 4 provided sufficient active sites for Co 3 S 4 nanoparticle growth