MoSe₂-GO/rGO Composite Catalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are actively researched for catalytic applications.
• Engineering TMD composites aims to enhance their catalytic efficiency.
• Molybdenum selenide (MoSe₂) shows promise but can suffer from aggregation issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a modified solution-processed method for MoSe₂ nanosheets.
• To create MoSe₂ composites with graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO).
• To improve the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance of MoSe₂.

Main Methods:

• Solution-processed synthesis of MoSe₂ nanosheets.
• Composite formation of MoSe₂ with GO and rGO at varying ratios.
• Characterization using XRD, Raman, XPS, TEM, EDX, and SEM.
• Electrocatalytic performance evaluation for HER.

Main Results:

• Pure MoSe₂ nanosheets had a high Tafel slope (80 mV/dec).
• MoSe₂-GO composites showed a reduced Tafel slope of 57 mV/dec (6:4 ratio).
• MoSe₂-rGO composites exhibited a Tafel slope of 67 mV/dec (4:6 ratio).

Conclusions:

• MoSe₂-GO and MoSe₂-rGO composites effectively prevent MoSe₂ aggregation.
• Composites demonstrate improved electrocatalytic HER performance compared to pure MoSe₂.
• Enhanced catalytic activity is attributed to improved interfacial contact and carrier transfer.