Low-temperature selective synthesis of metastable α-MoC with electrochemical properties: Electrochemical co-reduction of CO2 and MoO3 in molten salts

Longtao Zhu, Yinan Zhao, Wenhao Yang, Hsien-Yi Hsu, Ping Peng*, Fang-Fang Li*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Metastable molybdenum carbide (α-MoC), as a catalyst and an excellent support for metal catalysts, has been widely used in thermo/electro-catalytic reactions. However, the selective synthesis of α-MoC remains a great challenge. Herein, a simple one-pot synthetic strategy for the selective preparation of metastable α-MoC is proposed by electrochemical co-reduction of CO2 and MoO3 in a low-temperature eutectic molten carbonate. The synthesized α-MoC shows a reed flower-like morphology. By controlling the electrolysis time and monitoring the phase and morphology of the obtained products, the growth process of α-MoC is revealed, where the carbon matrix is deposited first followed by the growth of α-MoC from the carbon matrix. Moreover, by analyzing the composition of the electrolytic products, the formation mechanism for α-MoC is proposed. In addition, through this one-pot synthetic strategy, S-doped α-MoC is successfully synthesized. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that S doping enhanced the HER performance of α-MoC by facilitating water absorption and dissociation and weakening the bond energy of Mo-H to accelerate H desorption. The present work not only highlights the valuable utilization of CO2 but also offers a new perspective on the design and controllable synthesis of metal carbides and their derivatives. © 2023 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.
Original languageEnglish
Article number108583
JournalChinese Chemical Letters
Volume35
Issue number1
Online published20 May 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2024

Research Keywords

  • CO2 electroreduction
  • Hydrogen evolution reaction
  • Molten salt
  • Sulfur doping
  • α-MoC

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