An amorphous FeMoS₄ nanorod array toward efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis under neutral conditions

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts are needed for neutral conditions.
• Developing advanced materials for catalysis is a key research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize an amorphous FeMoS4 nanorod array on carbon cloth (FeMoS4 NRA/CC) for hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis.
• To evaluate the catalytic activity and durability of FeMoS4 NRA/CC under neutral pH conditions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of FeMoS4 NRA/CC via hydrothermal treatment of FeOOH NRA/CC.
• Electrochemical testing of the FeMoS4 NRA/CC electrode in 1.0 M phosphate buffered saline (pH 7).
• Density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate hydrogen adsorption.

Main Results:

• The FeMoS4 NRA/CC electrode exhibited superior catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution.
• An overpotential of 204 mV was required to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm-2, a significant improvement over the FeOOH NRA/CC.
• The FeMoS4 NRA/CC demonstrated strong long-term electrochemical durability.

Conclusions:

• Amorphous FeMoS4 nanorod arrays on carbon cloth are highly effective electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution under neutral conditions.
• FeMoS4 offers a more favorable hydrogen adsorption free energy compared to FeOOH, contributing to enhanced catalytic performance.