Ni-Decorated Molybdenum Carbide Hollow Structure Derived from Carbon-Coated Metal–Organic Framework for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

To enhance the intrinsic properties and realize novel functionalities toward desired applications, it is of great significance to construct molybdenum carbide with unique architecture but still remains highly challenging. Herein, we demonstrate a simple synthetic method. Initially, Mo-based polyoxometalate-anion-incorporated Ni-MOF (metal–organic framework) hollow structure is prepared through dissolution–regrowth process. Then, carbon-containing polymer is coated on the surface of the hollow precursor. After being annealed at high temperature, carbon-layer-coated Ni-decorated hollow molybdenum carbide structures are obtained successfully. Due to the unique composition and configuration, these hollow structures exhibit remarkable hydrogen evolution reaction properties and stabilities.