Composition-Tuned (MoWV)Se₂ Ternary Alloy Nanosheets as Excellent Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts

Abstract

Ternary alloying of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) has the potential for altering the electronic structure of materials to suit electrochemical applications. Herein, we synthesized (MoWV)Se 2 nanosheets at various compositions via a colloidal reaction. The mole fraction of V atoms (x V ) was successfully increased up to 0.8, producing a metallic phase that is highly durable against hydration. Furthermore, we synthesized (MoW)Se 2 nanosheets over the entire composition range. The atomic mixing of the ternary alloys is more random than that of the constitutional binary alloys, as supported by first-principles calculations. Compared to binary alloying, ternary alloying more effectively enhanced the electrocatalytic activity for acidic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The HER performance increased upon increasing x V to 0.44, and thereafter, it declined at higher x V primarily owing to surface oxidation. The analysis of Gibbs free energy for H adsorption revealed that ternary alloying strongly activates the basal plane for the HER. VSe 2 contains numerous sites favorable for H adsorption, facilitating the composition-dependent HER. These results provide a pioneering strategy for designing multicomponent TMD catalysts that maximize the advantages of each component.

Progress on Two-Dimensional Transitional Metal Dichalcogenides Alloy Materials: Growth, Characterisation, and Optoelectronic Applications

“…And the phase transition from 2H to 1T occurred when the XV value was in the range of 0.62-0.75. They demonstrated that the HER properties improve with the increase in XV [73]. The Ids stayed at a high value and did not saturate when Vg was adjusted, indicating a better Nb doping effect.…”

Atomically Substitutional Engineering of Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Layers for Enhancing Tailored Properties and Superior Applications

“…They refer to not only MNXY-type TMDs mentioned earlier but also quaternary TMDs with additional cationic or anionic substitutions. Examples of these emerging materials include MXYZ-type MoS 2(1− x − y ) Se 2 x Te 2 y and MNOX-type Mo 1− x − y W x V y Se 2 [ 104 , 190 ]. These TMDs offer more flexibility in tuning their properties and demonstrate superior performance for various applications.…”

Three-Dimensional Network of Highly Uniform Cobalt Oxide Microspheres/MXene Composite as a High-Performance Electrocatalyst in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

“…The worldwide scalability of possible clean-energy solutions might be achieved by using earth-abundant minerals as substitutes for Pt-based electrocatalysts. 4,7,8 Several first-row transition-metal compounds, such as oxides, sulfides, and phosphides, have recently gained attention as promising electrocatalysts for water splitting. 9−13 However, achieving further improvements in their electrochemical activity and durability through rational design and preparation techniques remains a challenging task.…”

“…So far, there has been significant research conducted on Pt-based materials as electrocatalysts for the HER, mostly due to their advantageous characteristics such as little overpotential and a low Tafel slope. , Nevertheless, the limited availability, exorbitant expenses, and challenges pertaining to durability in the electrolyte during the process of electrolysis significantly constrain their potential for widespread commercial use. The worldwide scalability of possible clean-energy solutions might be achieved by using earth-abundant minerals as substitutes for Pt-based electrocatalysts. ,, Several first-row transition-metal compounds, such as oxides, sulfides, and phosphides, have recently gained attention as promising electrocatalysts for water splitting. − However, achieving further improvements in their electrochemical activity and durability through rational design and preparation techniques remains a challenging task . Due to its affordable cost, excellent redox capability, and relatively effective resistance to corrosion in alkaline environments, spinel Co 3 O 4 demonstrates potential as a viable alternative to noble-metal-based electrocatalysts. − Nevertheless, these materials continue to exhibit drawbacks such as limited active surface area and inadequate intrinsic conductivity.…”