Free MoS2 Nanoflowers Grown on Graphene by Microwave-Assisted Synthesis as Highly Efficient Non-Noble-Metal Electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

Advanced approaches to preparing non-noble-metal electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are considered to be a significant breakthrough in promoting the exploration of renewable resources. In this work, a hybrid material of MoS2 nanoflowers (NFs) on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was synthesized as a HER catalyst via an environmentally friendly, efficient approach that is also suitable for mass production. Small-sized MoS2 NFs with a diameter of ca. 190 nm and an abundance of exposed edges were prepared by a hydrothermal method and were subsequently supported on rGO by microwave-assisted synthesis. The results show that MoS2 NFs were distributed uniformly on the remarkably reduced GO and preserved the outstanding original structural features perfectly. Electrochemical tests show that the as-prepared hybrid material exhibited excellent HER activity, with a small Tafel slope of 80 mV/decade and a low overpotential of 170 mV.

Evaluating the Effect of Varying the Metal Precursor in the Colloidal Synthesis of MoSe2 Nanomaterials and Their Application as Electrodes in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

“…In this case the nanoflowers seem to be more effective at exposing these edge sites compared to the nanosheets as seen by the superior performance of the nanoflowers compared to the nanosheets. This is consistent with what has been reported in the literature with respect to how the nanoflowers morphology seems to be more ideal for the HER compared to other nanomaterial morphologies [ 36 , 37 ]. This can also be attributed to the higher surface area of the nanoflowers compared to the nanosheets which may afford the nanoflowers more available active sites.…”

Advanced Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Based on Core–Shell MoS2/TiO2 Nanostructures in Acidic and Alkaline Media

“…In an acidic environment (Figure ), a Tafel slope of 48 mV/dec was obtained for the TiO 2 /MoS 2 heterostructures, which is much lower than several reported and cost-effective HER catalysts under similar electrolytic conditions. , …”

Graphene-supported platinum/nickel phosphide electrocatalyst with improved activity and stability for methanol oxidation

“…26,27 Graphene, mother of all graphitic forms, is considered as the most promising supporting material for carbon black and carbon nanotube. [28][29][30] Many metallic compounds which combined with graphene have been reported to form complex hybrid structure and display superior catalytic performance compared to naked particles. 31,32 Graphene sheets in the above structure act as not only a buffer zone of volume change of the active materials but also a good electron transfer medium.…”