NiMoO4-CuO nanorod array as electrocatalysts for efficient electrochemical hydrogen evolution reactions

Hydrogen is considered to be an energy source with a high potential to replace traditional fuels. Herein, NiMoO4-CuO nanorod arrays are constructed on copper foam (CF) substrate. Synergistic effect between NiMoO4 and CuO can improve the electron transfer rate. Meanwhile, the superhydrophilic and superaerophobic structure of NiMoO4-CuO/CF promotes the diffusion of electrolyte and ensures the rapid release of bubbles. Therefore, only an overpotential of 59 mV is required to achieve the current density of 50 mA·cm−2. At the current density of 50 mA·cm−2 for 24 h, the catalytic performance of the electrode has no obvious change, demonstrating that NiMoO4-CuO/CF electrocatalyst has outstanding stability, which provides a new pathway to synthesizing highly efficient HER electrocatalysts.