Molybdenum-based electrocatalysts with nanostructured supports for hydrogen evolution reaction

Electrochemical water splitting is one of the most efficient ways to yield H-2 fuel due to its renewability and environmental friendliness. For minimizing the energy loss during the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), as a crucial half-cell reaction of electrochemical water splitting, researchers are seeking for suitable electrocatalysts, which can significantly decrease the overpotential and consequently promote the reaction rate and total cell efficiency. Among the noble-metal free HER catalysts, Mo-based electrocatalysts have been reported to possess excellent electrocatalytic activity and long-term durability in terms of the HER process. Recently, in order to further improve the reaction rate of HER, nanostructured supports for Mo-based catalysts were designed, which not only increase active sites but also contribute to alleviating the overpotential. Herein, an overview is presented of recent research progress on Mo-based electrocatalysts with nanostructured supports for the HER. It starts with summarizing the fundamentals of HER and recent progress of Mo-based electrocatalysts. Subsequently, the design and synthesis of nanostructures, electrochemical performance, and the related mechanisms for Mo-based electrocatalysts with nanostructured supports are discussed. Finally, the future opportunities and challenges are highlighted for the development of the Mo-based electrocatalysts from the points of view of both fundamental understanding and practical application.