Electrostatically Guided Covalent Architectures for Stable Hydrogen Evolution at Ampere‐Level Current Densities in Acidic Media

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Authors: Qin Qi Zhan, Y Liu, Meng Hui Qiu, Yan Yin, Xian Bin Liu, T G Liu, Ye Sheng Li, Zi Ping Wu, Hai Feng Wang, Xing Miao Zhou, Bao Yu Xia
Cited by: 1
References: 31

Abstract

ABSTRACT Achieving stable operation at high current densities is a critical challenge for acidic water electrolysis, where intensified bubble evolution induces concentration polarization and mechanical stress that accelerate catalyst degradation. Here, we report Mo 2 C nanoclusters in situ anchored onto nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) via strong Mo─C and Mo─N covalent bonds. The covalent integration, achieved through electrostatically guided self‐assembly followed by carbonization, yields a porous and conductive network that combines efficient charge transport with resistance to acidic corrosion. The resulting catalyst delivers overpotentials of 256 mV at 500 mA cm −2 and 396 mV at 1000 mA cm −2 in 0.5 m H 2 SO 4 , and operates stably at 865 mA cm −2 for over 240 h. In a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer, it sustains overall water splitting at 1000 mA cm −2 with a cell voltage of 2.03 V for more than 150 h. This hierarchical covalent design enhances conductivity, durability, and bubble management, representing a scalable strategy for next‐generation electrocatalysts capable of ampere‐level operation in acidic media.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion Advanced battery technologies research CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts

Publication details

Journal / source
Small
Publisher
Wiley
Pages
e73714–e73714
Publication date
8 May 2026
Language
EN