Research & Reviews: Journal of Material Sciences
MenuISSN:2321-6212
ISSN:2321-6212
Arnas Naujokaitis, Kestutis Arlauskas , Rokas Zalneravicius and Arunas Jagminas
Vilnius University, Lithuania
NCPTS, Lithuania
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Res. Rev. J Mat. Sci.
Statement of the Problem: Water splitting via low-cost electrocatalysis is crucial for the development of clean energy from renewable sources.1 However, high cost of the prior Pt and Ir/Ru-based catalysts hinder their wide usage. Consequently, development of costeffective electrocatalysts recently is of great significance. Currently, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoplatelet arrays are extensively investigated as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in the acidic solutions proceeding preferentially at the exposed edge sites of MoS2 nanosheets. In fact, MoS2-based catalysts with increased active for HER sites, as well as doped with Ni and Co atoms, enhance HER efficiency.2 Nevertheless, they still demonstrate the HER efficiencies in times lower than at the surface of bulk Pt. The purpose of this study is to describe our experience of seeking markedly enhance the efficiency of MoS2 electrocatalysts for HER throughout decoration with numerous Pt quantum dots (QDs). Methodology: Crystalline nanoplatelet-shaped MoS2 arrays were formed at the surface of various substrates by hydrothermal synthesis. FE-SEM, HR-TEM, EDX analysis and cyclic voltammetry were employed. Findings: We have showed that a significant improvement of HER efficiency at the nanoplatelet MoS2 substrates can be obtained via a simple decoration with extremely low amount of Pt QDs, ca 6.0 mg/cm2, deposited both at the nanoplatelet edges and at the basal planes (Figure 1b). To the best of our knowledge, the reported by us decoration approach of MoS2 nanoplatelets with Pt QDs and Nps3-5 has not been explored for superior improvement of HER efficiency. Conclusion & Significance: This work opens new further opportunities for significant improving the efficiency of HER at nanoplatelet MoS2 substrates.
Arnas Naujokaitis is a PhD student in Vilnius University and also working as junior scientific researcher at The National Centre of Physical and Technological Sciences (NCPTS). He already has decent experience in MoS2 layers formation and characterization. As a result, there are three publications in this research. Another fields of interest are materials deposition, synthesis and growth techniques, also electron microscopy and material characterization methods.