Tungsten carbide as electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction in pH neutral electrolyte solutions

In this communication we demonstrate that tungsten carbide, WC, is a promising electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction in pH neutral electrolytes. In a systematic investigation of mixed catalysts containing different fractions of WC, W₂C, W and WO₂ we show that the performance of the catalyst is proportional to its WC content, whereas W₂C, W and WO₂ play only a minor role. The relationship between WC content and electrocatalytic activity indicates that hydrogen evolution and oxidation are related to similar surface sites preferentially formed on WC. In contrast to anodic conditions, the cathodic polarization diminishes corrosion processes and thus increases the long term stability.