Three-dimensional Ni-MoN nanorod array as active and non-precious metal electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation reaction

The development of direct methanol fuel cells requires low-cost, non-noble-metal electrocatalysts. However, it has not been widely used because of its limited activity, poor durability, and slow kinetics. Herein, the 3D nanostructured arrays of Ni-MoN composite nanorods were facilely prepared on the nickel foam (Ni-MoN NR/NF), which involves the direct hydrothermal synthesis of NiMoO4 on NF and further nitridation treatment in the atmosphere of ammonia. The nitridation ensures the uniform distribution of active Ni sites across the robust MoN nanorods. Owing to the collaborative effect of Ni and the specific 3D MoN nanorod structure, the Ni-MoN NR/NF exhibits a promising electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), which shows excellent activity (374 mA cm(-2)@0.8 V vs. Hg/HgO), fast kinetics (40 mV dec(-1) for the Tafel slope) and good stability. This work has shed light on the design of high-performance non-noble-metal electrocatalysts for MOR.