Stable mesoporous spinel ZnFe2O4 with large surface area, and small particle size was successfully prepared via a surface binding strategy as an efficient catalyst for electrochemical hydrogen generation in acidic water. Experimental results show that the mesoporous structure could be maintained up to 700 degrees C after stabilizing treatment of the sample. The prepared mesoporous ZnFe2O4 exhibited better electrocatalytic activity and excellent electrochemical durability than the corresponding sample prepared without surface binding treatment. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd.