A defect-rich ultrathin MoS₂/rGO nanosheet electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction

The structural properties such as high specific surface area, good electrical conductivity, rich-defects of the catalyst surface guarantee outstanding catalytic performance and durability of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts. It is still a challenging task to construct ORR catalysts with excellent performance. Herein, we have reported column-like MoS₂/rGO with defect-rich ultrathin nanosheets prepared by a convenient solvothermal method. The structure and composition of MoS₂/rGO are systematically investigated. MoS₂/rGO shows a remarkable electrocatalytic performance, which is characterized by an outstanding onset potential of 0.97 V, a half-wave potential of 0.83 V, noticeable methanol tolerance, and durability of 93.7% current retention, superior to commercial Pt/C. The ORR process occurring on MoS₂/rGO is a typical four electron pathway. Therefore, this study achieves the design of a low-cost, highly efficient and stable nonprecious metal ORR electrocatalyst in alkaline media.