Suppressing the aggregation and optimizing the electronic structure of porous Ni nanosheets by POMs-derived Mo2N for efficient hydrogen evolution in AEM water electrolysis

• • The optimized Mo2N-Ni catalyst achieves an overpotential of 19 mV at 10 mA cm−2, comparable to Pt/C, indicating near-Pt HER activity in alkaline media. • • The AEM electrolyzer delivers 500 mA cm−2 at 1.80 V, demonstrating high current capability suitable for industrial water electrolysis. • • The electrolyzer operates stably for 300 h, confirming long-term durability under continuous operation. • • The synthesis leverages electrostatic assembly of PMo12 and Ni(OH)2, preventing agglomeration and yielding 2D porous nanosheets, which enhances mass transfer and reduces impedance.