Stacked Co6W6C nanocrystals anchored on N-doping carbon nanofibers with excellent electrocatalytic performance for HER in wide-range pH

High purity H2 formed by electrochemical water splitting is profound potential green energy. Exploiting advanced electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in both acidic and base environment is of critical significance. Herein, we report a novel hybrid comprising stacked cobalt tungsten carbides nanocrystals on N-doping carbon matrix (Co6W6C–N@CNFs) as a superb HER catalyst over the entire pH range via facile electrospinning and CVD method. On account of its ultrathin size and the strong synergetic interaction between bimetals, coupled with the superior conductivity of N-doping CNFs, Co6W6C–N@CNFs presents superior catalytic properties, with low overpotentials of 86 and 116 mV at η10 and small Tafel slopes of 85 and 101 mV dec−1 in acidic and alkali, respectively, as well as outstanding long-term stability, rivalling its potential to be used intensively in water electrolysis technologies. We prepared stacked Co6W6C nanocrystal anchored on N-doping carbon nanofibers with ultrathin nanocrystal sizes and the strong synergetic behavior between Co and W, together with the modification of electronic structure by doping N atoms, which was used as functional materials for high efficient hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalysts over the entire pH range. [Display omitted] •Co6W6C–N@CNFs expose numerous active sites for HER with the ultrathin size.•The synergetic effect in Co6W6C–N@CNFs boosts the catalystic performance.•The modification of N-doping optimizes the adsorption energy of Co6W6C–N@CNFs surface.•Co6W6C–N@CNFs exhibit outstanding HER properties both in acidic and base.•Exceeding carbon provides protection with Co6W6C to achieve durable stability.