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Electrochemical water splitting has been considered as a promising method for large‐scale hydrogen production. However, the development of high‐performance and low‐cost noble metal‐free electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) remains a great challenge. Transition metal carbides (such as molybdenum carbide) are one of the most potential substitutes for noble metal as electrocatalysts for HER. One of the effective measures for further enhancing their performances is to hinder the coalescence of nanoparticles. Here we demonstrate a two‐dimensional ultrafine molybdenum carbide‐coupled mesoporous structured meshlike carbon nanolayers synthesized vis facile route based on holes in the carbon nanolayer structures blocking nanoparticle agglomeration. Molybdenum carbide clusters dispersed on the carbon nanolayers are successfully prepared by carbonization of molybdate‐polyvinylpyrrolidone precursor as a proof of concept, which exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity for the HER and high stability in basic medium. The present study provides some references for the design and synthesis of nanostructured electrocatalysts utilizing 2D meshlike materials to prevent nanoparticles from agglomerating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal carbide such as molybdenum carbide is most potential alternative to Pt catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A high effective non‐noble metal electrocatalyst synthesized by the facile route isurgently needed. Herein, we designed a facile approach to synthesize molybdenum carbide nanocrystal dispersed on hexagonal carbon nanotablets possessing mesoporous structures. The electrocatalytic activities for HER were studied. The results show that as‐synthesized molybdenum carbide nanocomposites exhibit a superior HER activity and stability, with an overpotential of 176 mV to drive j=10 mA cm−2 in basic solution and a smaller Tafel slope of 52 mV dec−1in acidic medium, implying molybdenum carbide hexagonal nanotablets have a promising application as Pt‐free electrocatalysts for HER. This strategy also opens a new way to fast synthesize other non‐noble metal electrocatalysts for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the creation of two new pulp and paper mills by Asia Pulp and Paper Co Ltd., the Indonesia-based paper company in China. Startup and production information of the new projects; Purpose of APP's investment projects; Outlook on the pulp and paper industry in China.

Looks at the growth of two Chinese paper manufacturers, Zhongzhu Group and Yueyang Forest & Paper Group. Installation of new paper machines; Development of new sources of fiber; Capacities of machines; Grades of paper produced; Paper mill features; Plant capacities.

Reports on trends in the paper industry in China. Economic growth; Emergence of vast investments; Details behind existing and planned mills; Future growth prospects.

Production of hydrogen from electrochemical water splitting has been regarded as one of the most economic and sustainable techniques for green fuel production. It is significant and challengeable to develop highly efficient and low cost noble metal-free electrocatalysts. Presently, molybdenum-based electrocatalysts were regarded as potential alternatives for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, the well-dispersed and ultrasmall Mo 2 C nanoparticles (NPs) anchored on 2D carbon nanosheets were synthesized by designing chelate precursor and following pyrolysis, which was proved to be an effective approach for preparing carbon-loaded Mo 2 C NPs. The as-obtained Mo 2 C/C material exhibits an outstanding activity and stability in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). It needs an overpotential of 147 mV to drive 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope is 64.2 mV dec−1 in alkaline medium, implying that Mo 2 C/C material will be a potential noble metal-free electrocatalyst for HER. The design of Mo-chelate precursor is a feasible route to synthesize ultrafine Mo 2 C and it can provide a reference for synthesizing other nanoparticles and hindering particle coalescence at high preparation temperature. • Ultrasmall Mo 2 C nanoparticles coupled with nanocarbon matrix material (MC/C) was synthesized by a facile sol-gel approach. • The size distribution of Mo 2 C is in the range of 2.8–6.2 nm and the mean particle sizes is about 4.3 nm. • The MC/C-6 electrocatalyst exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity and stability for the HER. • New catalyst material has promising application in electrocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Pd/CeO 2 -nanorods catalysts modified with alkaline-earth metals were prepared by the incipient impregnation method. Their catalytic properties in low-concentration methane oxidation were also investigated. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and H 2 -temperature-programmed reduction techniques. The catalytic results show that the Ca element doped in Pd/CeO 2 , with optimum molar ratio of Pd to Ca of 2 and calcination temperature of 450 °C, improved the properties of the Pd-based catalyst remarkably, which is attributed to strong Pd-support interaction and high oxygen mobility. Therefore, calcium is more suitable as a promoter for enhancing the activities of the Pd/CeO 2 catalyst in methane oxidation., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)