Efficiency and stability of transition metal electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction using ionic liquids as electrolytes

Different electrodes (nickel, molybdenum, and iron alloys containing chromium, manganese, and nickel) were tested as cathodes for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMI.BF4) ionic liquid (IL) as the electrolyte. HERs were conducted at room temperature, at a cathodic potential of −1.7 V (PtQRE) using 10 vol.% aqueous BMI.BF4 solutions. Reactions performed in a thermostated Hoffman cell gave current densities between 14.6 and 77.5 mA cm−2 and efficiencies in the range 97.0–99.2%. Mo electrocatalysts in IL have been shown to be better than Pt, contrary to the classic behavior observed in an aqueous KOH medium. The electrochemical properties of molybdenum, as well as its resistance to corrosion (studied by Tafel plots and observed using SEM) indicate the potential use of this material as a cathode in an IL medium, which can lead to many attractive technological applications.