Molybdenum carbide (Mo₂C) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nano-composites as an efficient electrocatalyst for water splitting

Hydrogen is one of the most promising renewable energy for production and storage to replace the fossil fuel and petroleum-based energy sources. Here, we prepared and used transition metal carbide (TMC) composite with the rGO (reduced graphene oxide) such as Mo₂C-rGO to replace the platinum-based electrode. The synthesis of the composite involves a wet chemical method followed by a high-temperature carbonization treatment that led to the crystallization of the molybdenum precursor to molybdenum carbide and the graphene oxide to reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Microstructure analysis revealed the dispersion of Mo₂C nanoparticles over rGO that achieved excellent HER (hydrogen evolution reaction) performance with an onset potential of −88 mV, better Tafel slope (67 mV dec⁻¹) and outstanding stability. The HER performance was compared with composites prepared at different carbonization temperatures (750 °C–1050 °C) and with Mo₂C-MOF (metal organic framework) and Mo₂C-carbon black composite.