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Ultrasmall and phase-pure W2C nanoparticles for efficient electrocatalytic and photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution.

ABSTRACT: Earlier research has been primarily focused on WC as one of the most promising earth-abundant electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), whereas the other compound in this carbide family-W2C-has received far less attention. Our theoretical calculations suggest that such a focus is misplaced and W2C is potentially more HER-active than WC. Nevertheless, the preparation of phase pure and sintering-free W2C nanostructures represents a formidable challenge. Here we develop an improved carburization method and successfully prepare ultrasmall and phase-pure W2C nanoparticles. When evaluated for HER electrocatalysis, W2C nanoparticles exhibit a small onset overpotential of 50?mV, a Tafel slope of 45?mV?dec(-1) and outstanding long-term cycling stability, which are dramatically improved over all existing WC-based materials. In addition, the integration of W2C nanoparticles with p-type Si nanowires enables highly active and sustainable solar-driven hydrogen production. Our results highlight the great potential of this traditionally non-popular material in HER electrocatalysis.

SUBMITTER: Gong Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5071847 | biostudies-other | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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Ultrasmall and phase-pure W<sub>2</sub>C nanoparticles for efficient electrocatalytic and photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution.

Gong Qiufang Q   Wang Yu Y   Hu Qi Q   Zhou Jigang J   Feng Renfei R   Duchesne Paul N PN   Zhang Peng P   Chen Fengjiao F   Han Na N   Li Yafei Y   Jin Chuanhong C   Li Yanguang Y   Lee Shuit-Tong ST  

Nature communications 20161018

Earlier research has been primarily focused on WC as one of the most promising earth-abundant electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), whereas the other compound in this carbide family-W<sub>2</sub>C-has received far less attention. Our theoretical calculations suggest that such a focus is misplaced and W<sub>2</sub>C is potentially more HER-active than WC. Nevertheless, the preparation of phase pure and sintering-free W<sub>2</sub>C nanostructures represents a formidable challeng  ...[more]