ELECTROLYTIC CATALYSTS BASED ON TUNGSTEN AND CARBON COMPOUNDS FOR THE HYDROGEN EVOLUTION REACTION

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is one of the most promising methods obtaining high-purity hydrogen. However, high cost and limited resources materials with low cathodic overvoltage values, such as platinum group metals, are main obstacles to use HER for on an industrial scale. Therefore, it necessary develop new alternative their production. One catalysts based refractory in particular tungsten carbides. Metal can also be used these purposes. In our opinion, high-temperature electrochemical synthesis (HTES) molten salts a method properties that meet requirements effective catalysts, namely: ultra-dispersity, specific surface area, mesoporosity defective structure, chemical stability. purpose this work evaluate electrocatalytic activity HER, which obtained by HTES melts. Four samples electrolytic were chosen study: tungsten, carbon, mono- semi-carbides (WC W2С). All characterized detail using X-ray diffraction (phase composition), SEM (morphology), Raman spectroscopy (structure carbon phases), DTG (free content).
 Based analysis data, was established all catalysts: crystallites have nanometer size large number structural defects; morpho­logy provides increased area; carbide particles covered layer free prevents oxidation WO3, has lower catalytic acti­vity; nanosized (20–30 nm) contain carbide-based increases but does not cause clogging pores.
 Polarization measurements carried out at room temperature polarization rate 5 mV/s standard three-electrode cell Ag|AgCl reference electrode. 1N H2SO4 base solution, bubbled argon. Onset potentials -0.05 – -0.25 V (in order WC/C W2C/WC/C C W). Tafel slope calculated composite shown lowest values -0.2 -75 mV, respectively.
 Electrolytic carbide/carbon demonstrated best characteristics, so we plan continue development compounds, will allow us reveal even greater potential pave way wide application processes.