A class of metal diboride electrocatalysts synthesized by a molten salt-assisted reaction for the hydrogen evolution reaction

A family of twelve monometallic diborides, containing transition metals from group IVB elements to group VIII elements, and Ni-W bimetallic diborides are synthesized via a molten salt-assisted method. Their trend in activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction is studied, with Ni-W bimetallic diborides acting as the most efficient, nonprecious electrocatalysts. A family of metallic diborides are synthesized via a molten salt-assisted method and their activity trend toward the HER is investigated.