Co-N-doped MoO2 nanowires as efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are traditionally carried out with noble metals (such as Pt) as catalysts, respectively. Herein, Co-N-doped MoO2 nanowires catalysts were synthesized by employing MoO2 nanowires as templates and conductive substrates. The effect of nanowire structure and non-metal/metal doping on ORR and HER performance were scientific discussed. The most active Co-N-MoO2 (Co-N-doped MoO2) exhibited high ORR catalytic activity (an onset potential of +0.87 V vs. RHE, n values of 3.56 and 3.68, excellent electrochemical stability) and outstanding HER performance with a low overpotential (69 mV vs. RHE), high electrochemical area and robust stability in 0.1 M KOH, which are associated with the defined nanowires structure, and homogeneous doping of Co/N into MoO2 with numerous active sites.