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

Author

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  • Qiufang Gong

    (Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University)

  • Yu Wang

    (College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University)

  • Qi Hu

    (State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University)

  • Jigang Zhou

    (Canadian Light Source Inc.)

  • Renfei Feng

    (Canadian Light Source Inc.)

  • Paul N. Duchesne

    (Dalhousie University)

  • Peng Zhang

    (Dalhousie University)

  • Fengjiao Chen

    (Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University)

  • Na Han

    (Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University)

  • Yafei Li

    (College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University)

  • Chuanhong Jin

    (State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University)

  • Yanguang Li

    (Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University)

  • Shuit-Tong Lee

    (Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiufang Gong & Yu Wang & Qi Hu & Jigang Zhou & Renfei Feng & Paul N. Duchesne & Peng Zhang & Fengjiao Chen & Na Han & Yafei Li & Chuanhong Jin & Yanguang Li & Shuit-Tong Lee, 2016. "Ultrasmall and phase-pure W2C nanoparticles for efficient electrocatalytic and photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms13216
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13216
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    Cited by:

    1. Brian C. Wyatt & Matthew G. Boebinger & Zachary D. Hood & Shiba Adhikari & Paweł Piotr Michałowski & Srinivasa Kartik Nemani & Murali Gopal Muraleedharan & Annabelle Bedford & Wyatt J. Highland & Paul, 2024. "Alkali cation stabilization of defects in 2D MXenes at ambient and elevated temperatures," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.

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