In-situ growth of Mo2C on ZIF-8-derived N-doped hierarchical carbon frameworks for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic and alkaline media

Constructing self-supporting electrodes with ordered channels is critical to enhancing mass transport and ensuring structural integrity in practical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) applications. Herein, we develop a binder-free self-supporting electrode using freestanding carbonized wood (CW) as a three-dimensional scaffold. ZIF-8 was utilized as a linker for in-situ growth to form CW@ZIF-8 materials. This composite was then impregnated with molybdate salts and subjected to a secondary carbonization process, resulting in the formation of electrically active Mo 2 C nanoparticles within the ordered channels. The resulting Mo 2 C/N–C/CW electrode exhibits excellent HER performance, which requires only 106.5 mV overpotential in alkaline and 130.9 mV in acidic media at 10 mA cm −2 . The enhanced performance is attributed to the hierarchical CW framework, which not only promotes uniform Mo 2 C dispersion but also facilitates electrolyte diffusion. This strategy offers a scalable route toward cost-effective, efficient, and durable self-supporting HER electrodes suitable for both acidic and alkaline environments.