Optimization of Interfacial Electrons and Compressive‐Tensile Strains at Lignin‐Derived Carbon‐Supported Multiphase Ni/Cu/MoO <sub>2</sub> Interfaces for Boosting Large Current‐Density HER
Xinyu Cao, Liancen Li, Guangfu Qian, Qizhi Xie, Yuxuan Xie, Jiawei Li, Yunpeng Wang, Minsheng Lu, Jinli Chen, Panagiotis Tsiakaras
Abstract
Abstract Developing efficient pH‐universal hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts is critically needed yet challenged by pH‐dependent. Here, a lignin‐derived carbon‐supported Ni/Cu/MoO 2 heterostructure (Ni/Cu/MoO 2 @LC) through multiphase interfaces design is engineered, which displays excellent electrochemical activity, featuring low potentials of −14.4/−201.5 (acidic), −44.5/−615.7 (neutral), and −28.2/−242.3 mV (alkaline) at −10/−1000 mA cm −2 . Theoretical and experimental analysis show that the Ni/Cu/MoO 2 @LC multiphase interfaces produce a synergistic coupling of compressive‐tensile strains and interfacial electron transfer effect. This synergistic effect triggers electron redistribution, tailors the electronic configuration through d ‐band center optimization, and balances intermediate adsorption/desorption energetics. Additionally, lignin‐derived carbon self‐supported micro‐nano‐array structure enhances gas‐liquid transport and corrosion resistance, allowing Ni/Cu/MoO 2 @LC to operate stably for at least 120 h, at −500 mA cm −2 in various pH solutions. Thus, this study provides a new idea for the design of cost‐effective pH‐universal HER electrocatalysts and a new approach for applying lignin‐derived carbon in electrocatalysis.