Defect-rich (Co–CoS2)x@Co9S8 nanosheets derived from monomolecular precursor pyrolysis with excellent catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction. Issue 17 (19th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Xinwen; Liu, Yanyan; Gao, Jie; Han, Guosheng; Hu, Meifang; Wu, Xianli; Cao, Huaqiang; Wang, Xiangyu; Li, Baojun
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 6:Issue 17(2018)
• Page Start: 7977
• Page End: 7987
• Publication Date: 2018-04-19
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/c8ta01163j
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7488

Abstract

Abstract : Defect-rich Co9 S8 -based nanosheets with excellent catalytic properties present a new way to rationally design advanced electrocatalysts. Abstract : The construction of defects in two-dimensional ultrathin nanosheets will improve the activity of transition metal-based catalysts. CoS x -based electrocatalysts have attracted increasing attention because of their low cost. In this article, defect-rich, Co9 S8 -based ultrathin nanosheets were synthesized through direct pyrolysis of cobalt dibutyl dithiocarbamate in organic amine solvents. Edge, cavity and dislocation defects exist in the as-obtained nanosheets. The nanosheets with thickness of 4–6 nm are composed mainly of Co9 S8, with small amounts of Co and CoS2 . The defects on Co9 S8 -based nanosheets were controlled by tuning the coordination solvents and pyrolysis parameters. The optimized nanosheets with defective structures have superior catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction in acid media, with a low onset potential of 228 mV and Tafel slope of 51.0 mV dec −1 . The catalyst displays robust stability without obvious degradation after being employed over 16 h. The pyrolysis of monomolecular precursors in an organic system provides a new way to construct transition metal compound-based, defect-rich nanostructures for electrocatalysis and energy storage.