Three-Dimensional Printed MoS₂/Graphene Aerogel Electrodes for Hydrogen Evolution Reactions

Abstract

In this work, we demonstrate the use of direct ink writing (DIW) technology to create 3D catalytic electrodes for electrochemical applications. Hybrid MoS2/graphene aerogels are made by mixing commercially available MoS2 and graphene oxide powders into a thixotropic, high concentration, viscous ink. A porous 3D structure of 2D graphene sheets and MoS2 particles was created after post treatment by freeze-drying and reducing graphene oxide through annealing. The composition and morphology of the samples were fully characterized through XPS, BET, and SEM/EDS. The resulting 3D printed MoS2/graphene aerogel electrodes had a remarkable electrochemically active surface area (>1700 cm2) and were able to achieve currents over 100 mA in acidic media. Notably, the catalytic activity of the MoS2/graphene aerogel electrodes was maintained with minimal loss in surface area compared to the non-3D printed electrodes, suggesting that DIW can be a viable method of producing durable electrodes with a high surface area for water splitting. This demonstrates that 3D printing a MoS2/graphene 3D porous network directly using our approach not only improves electrolyte dispersion and facilitates catalyst utilization but also provides multidimensional electron transport channels for improving electronic conductivity.

Advances in Designing 3D‐Printed Systems for CO2 Reduction

“…3D-printing technology has shown exceptional advancement in several domains, with its major potential in recent years being the fabrication of electrochemical devices and cells for electrochemical applications. For instance, there are several existing reports available on using 3D-printed electrode substrates for catalysis applications through modifications, patterning, functionalization, or by integrating active materials for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) [28,[87][88][89][90] and oxygen evolution reactions (OER). [89][90][91] With the advancements in technology, rapid prototyping of 3D-printed substrates of specific geometry and composition can aid in successful 3D-printing of active structures beyond catalyst.…”

3D direct ink printed materials for chemical conversion and environmental remediation applications: a review

“…A recent study demonstrated the use of DIW to fabricate a porous 3D printed graphene sheet/MoS 2 aerogel as the cathodic material for H 2 evolution reaction. 111 The 3D printed porous network, which exhibited 1–2 nm of pore diameter, had shown to be a robust functionalised aerogel that provided multidimensional electron transport channels that improved the electronic conductivity; electrolyte dispersion that facilitated catalyst utilization.…”

Recent Progress and Perspectives of Direct Ink Writing Applications for Mass Transfer Enhancement in Gas‐Phase Adsorption and Catalysis

“…[32] Chandrasekaran et al prepared a viscous MoS 2 /graphene ink and printed a porous 3D structure of 2D graphene sheets and MoS 2 particles with good mass transport of gas products for electrochemical catalytic reactions, such as water splitting. [97] However, 2D carbon materials are significantly more expensive than porous carbon, making widespread applications challenging.…”