Hybrid SrMoO4@rGO electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction in acid medium

Abstract

This work examined strontium molybdate (SrMoO4) spindle particles decorated on reduced graphene oxide (SrMoO4@rGO) as hydrogen-evolving electrocatalysts in acid-water electrolytes. A facile solvothermal method was employed for the preparation of SrMoO4@rGO. The phase formation and presence of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were confirmed using X-ray diffraction, and the morphology was determined by transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of the developed material was studied using various voltammetric techniques in a three-electrode cell system in an acidic environment. A comparative study of HER activity among strontium molybdate, SrMoO4@rGO and 20 wt.% platinum (Pt)/carbon (C) was done. An increased rate of hydrogen evolution was observed for SrMoO4@rGO compared with that of freestanding strontium molybdate.