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

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 () and Shuit-Tong Lee
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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

Nature Communications, 2016, vol. 7, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13216

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