文摘
The search for non-noble metal catalysts with high activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for efficient hydrogen production at low cost and on a large scale. Herein, we report a novel WO3–x catalyst synthesized on carbon nanofiber mats (CFMs) by electrospinning and followed by a carbonization process in a tubal furnace. The morphology and composition of the catalysts were tailored via a simple method, and the hybrid catalyst mats were used directly as cathodes to investigate their HER performance. Notably, the as-prepared catalysts exhibit substantially enhanced activity for the HER, demonstrating a small overpotential, a high exchange current density, and a large cathodic current density. The remarkable electrocatalytic performances result from the poor crystallinity of WO3–x, the high electrical conductivity of WO3–x, and the use of electrospun CNFs. The present work outlines a straightforward approach for the synthesis of transition metal oxide (TMO)-based carbon nanofiber mats with promising applications for the HER.