CoS(2x)Se(2(1-x)) nanowire array: an efficient ternary electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are effective hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts.
• Cobalt-based TMDs (CoS2, CoSe2) show promise due to their metallic properties.
• Ternary electrocatalysts offer enhanced efficiency over binary ones by increasing active sites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize ternary cobalt sulfide selenide (CoS2xSe2(1-x)) nanowires (NWs) for HER.
• To evaluate the electrocatalytic performance of the synthesized ternary NWs in acidic media.
• To assess the stability and scalability of the ternary catalyst for hydrogen evolution.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of ternary CoS2xSe2(1-x) (x = 0.67) nanowires on flexible carbon fiber.
• Electrochemical characterization of the catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
• Evaluation of catalytic activity and stability in acidic electrolyte.

Main Results:

• Ternary CoS2xSe2(1-x) NWs arrays exhibit superior electrocatalytic activity for HER.
• Achieved current densities of 10 mA cm(-2) at 129.5 mV and 100 mA cm(-2) at 174 mV overpotentials.
• Demonstrated high stability, indicating potential for scalable applications.

Conclusions:

• Ternary CoS2xSe2(1-x) NWs are highly efficient electrocatalysts for HER.
• The material shows promise as a stable and scalable catalyst for electrochemical hydrogen production.
• Incorporation of different atoms in ternary structures enhances catalytic performance.