MoC/C nanospheres prepared by magnesiothermic reduction for alkaline hydrogen evolution

[Display omitted] •Pomegranate-like MoC/C spheres are fabricated by magnesiothermic reduction.•Excellent HER activity for MoC/C spheres: η10, η100, η500 of 106, 170, and 281 mV in alkaline media.•Alkaline electrolytic cell of MoC/C-700‖IrO2 exhibit 1.82 and 1.93 V to deliver 500 and 1000 mA cm−2 for overall water-splitting. Pomegranate-like MoC/C nanospheres were prepared by magnesiothermic reduction of spherical polypyrrole-phosphopolybdate. The MoC/C nanospheres showed good hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity in alkaline media: the overpotential (η) of 106 to reach 10 mA cm−2. And the alkaline electrolytic cell of MoC/C-700‖IrO2 inquired 1.82 and 1.93 V to deliver 500 and 1000 mA cm−2 for overall water splitting. The significant HER activity was due to the special microstructure, homodisperse MoC grains, and P, N codoped carbon matrix to bring more active sites and faster electron transport. Meanwhile, the thin carbon coating was helpful to improve their catalyst durability.