Flexible electrode fabricated from molybdate-loaded silk fabric for hydrogen production

The broad use of the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is impeded by challenges associated with the availability and high cost of precious metal-based catalysts. Carbon materials co-doped with transition metals and nitrogen have emerged as highly promising alternatives among non-precious metal-based electrocatalysts due to their advantageous features, such as cost-effectiveness, high activity, and excellent stability. This study focuses on incorporating low-cost sodium molybdate onto silk fabric, which serves as a sustainable precursor for the preparation of nitrogen-doped carbon material. This silk fabric is then carbonized to create a flexible electrode for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The resulting electrode exhibits the in situ growth of Mo 2 C and MoO 3 , and this mechanism facilitates a smoother conduction path for electrons. The resulting electrode not only possesses flexible characteristics but also exhibits a large specific surface area. Transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals the presence of carbon quantum dots, which actively contribute to the heightened catalytic hydrogen evolution activity of the prepared electrode. Experimental findings unequivocally showcase the outstanding electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution capability and operational stability of the fabricated flexible electrode in acidic and alkaline environments. This work substantiates the efficacy of using low-cost sodium molybdate-loaded silk fabric as a catalyst precursor, thereby providing robust support for the design and implementation of non-precious metal-based electrocatalysts for the HER. This approach advances the development and broader application of carbon-free fuels.