Interfacial engineering by using Mo based single chain metallosurfactant towards hydrogen evolution reaction

[Display omitted] •Utilization of a novel Mo metallosurfactant for electrolysis specifically for HER.•HER activity was measured both in solution (aqueous) as well as in film form.•Formation of reverse micelle anticipated to enhance the HER activity.•Hydrophobic layer of metallosurfactant, assist in detaching the bubbles.•Present electrocatalyst can split water easily and without hazardous chemicals. Interfacial structural engineering using non – precious and cost-effective metal-based electrocatalyst is a major challenge for renewable energy technology. Herein, we report a simple method to fabricate Mo-based metallosurfactant (Mo(III)-DDA(I)) that is used as an affordable electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The formation of metallosurfactant was authenticated using various spectroscopic techniques. Afterward, its electrocatalytic behaviour was measured both in solution (aqueous) as well as in film form. Analysis of the coating was done before and after electrocatalysis. FESEM revealed the morphology in form of nodular grains arranged in interconnected layers while some flakes are removed from the surface when characterized after electrolysis. The existence of elemental peaks along with oxidation states were confirmed using XPS (both before and after electrolysis). The prepared electrocatalyst exhibited 265 mV (10 mA cm-2) overpotential and Tafel slope of 60 mV dec-1. The improvement in HER performance using Mo(III)-DDA(I) is because of the formation of reverse micelle of Mo(III)-DDA(I) on the carbon fiber paper (CFP) surface, which provide the electronic coordination between metal ions in the micellar core. The Mo(III)-DDA(I) coated surface form hydrophobic layer having contact angle 130° which assist in detaching the bubble from the surface. Furthermore, we have evaluated concentration effect of Mo(III)-DDA(I) towards HER performance of at various concentrations. The outcome of this work suggested that present technology is cost-effective method for hydrogen production with less reaction time using non-hazardous methods.