Molybdenum carbide nanocrystal embedded N-doped carbon nanotubes as electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation

N-doped carbon nanotubes embedded with molybdenum carbide nanocrystals with a size less than 3 nm were fabricated. Due to their small size, tubular characteristics and high conductivity, the hybrid nanotubes exhibit superior activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction, including small overpotential, large cathodic current density and high exchange current density.