Carbon-coated molybdenum carbide nanosheets derived from molybdenum disulfide for hydrogen evolution reaction. (12th July 2018) - Huang, Yunjie
Abstract: The design and synthesis of efficient non-noble metal catalyst is important for the practical application of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from water electrolysis. In this study, molybdenum carbides were prepared by a novel synthetic method, which involved the first exfoliation of 2D MoS2 based on the principle of cold expansion of water below 4 °C and then carburization of exfoliated MoS2 . In this method, MoS2 played roles of morphology template and molybdenum source simultaneously. Carbon-coated molybdenum carbide nanosheets were obtained and confirmed by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The stripping degree of MoS2 was found to have an important influence on physical properties and catalytic performance of molybdenum carbides. Interestingly, Mo2 C nanosheets encapsulated in carbon nanotubes were observed when the MoS2 with a high peeling degree was used in the preparation. It showed high activity and good durability towards HER in acid solution. Highlights: MoS2 was used as a morphology template to prepare Mo2 C nanosheets. The cold expansion principle of water was applied for the exfoliation of 2D MoS2 . Mo2 C nanosheets encapsulated in CNTs were observed in the carbonization of MoS2 . The carbon-coated Mo2 C was very active and stable towards HER in acid solution.