Cu/Cu2O Nanoparticle–Decorated MoO2 Nanoflowers as a Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

The development of highly efficient, economical, and sustainable electrocatalysts based on non‐noble metals for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is of vital significance for large‐scale renewable energy storage. Herein, an effective synthetic strategy for the construction of MoO 2 nanoflowers decorated with metallic Cu/Cu 2 O nanoparticles (NPs) on Ni foam (NF) (Cu 2 O/MoO 2 @Cu/NF) with a simple two‐step method is reported. The prepared Cu 2 O/MoO 2 @Cu/NF as an electrocatalyst exhibits outstanding reactivity and remarkable stability in alkaline solution. The onset overpotential of Cu 2 O/MoO 2 @Cu/NF approaches 0 V. An overpotential as low as 32 mV is obtained to afford a current density of 10 mA cm −2 , comparable with Pt/C catalysts. The Tafel slope is low at 40 mV dec −1 as well. The involvement of zero‐valent Cu greatly reduces the resistance. The well‐dispersed Cu/Cu 2 O NPs on the sphere‐like MoO 2 nanoflowers exaggerate the surface area. The ringent channels provide the fast release of evolved bubbles. Furthermore, the enhanced conductivity and large surface area lead to significant activity in HER. Herein, a novel design and facile synthesis of a highly efficient electrocatalyst with catalytic activity that is comparable to a Pt/C catalyst is provided.