Mesoporous molybdenum carbide with a distinct nanoflower morphology for hydrogen evolution reaction and energy storage

A facile and versatile protocol for preparation of highly crystalline mesoporous molybdenum carbide (MMC) is proposed as an efficient electrode for hydrogen evolution reaction and anode electrode for Li ion battery application. As prepared material shows pure single (3 phase with high surface area. The phase purity of MMC was controlled by adjustment of the carbonization temperature. Additionally, it was also found that the properties of the parent mesoporous phosphomolybdic acid (mPMA) have profound impact on the properties and structure of the final product. XPS and synchrotron based NEXAFS analysis confirmed the complete transformation of mPMA into MMC. The prepared MMC materials were used as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) both in alkaline and acidic media showed excellent onset potential of 79 and 64 mV respectively. Also tested as an efficient anode electrode material for Li-ion battery (LIB) which showed a promising specific capacity of 240 mAh.g-1.