| AVS 64th International Symposium & Exhibition | |
| 2D Materials Focus Topic | Thursday Sessions |
| Session 2D-ThP |
| Session: | 2D Materials Poster Session |
| Presenter: | Simon Hutton, Kratos Analytical Limited, UK |
| Authors: | S.J. Hutton, Kratos Analytical Limited, UK S.J. Rowley-Neale, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK C.E. Banks, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK C.J. Blomfield, Kratos Analytical Limited, UK S.J. Coultas, Kratos Analytical Limited, UK A.J. Roberts, Kratos Analytical Limited, UK J.D.P. Counsell, Kratos Analytical Limited, UK |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
Hydrogen, produced via the electrolysis of water, is a promising alternative to fossil fuels. Hydrogen may be transported in bulk from areas of energy production to areas of energy consumption and used to generate electricity directly in fuel cells. One of the major problems limiting the widespread take-up of hydrogen based technology is the high cost of platinum which is used as a catalytic electrode material in both water electrolysis and fuel cells.[1]
Recent research has focused on finding a more cost effective electrode materials to catalyse the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER). Studies have shown that 2D Molybdenum disulphide (2D-MoS2) can be used as an effective electrocatalyst towards the HER.[2] Surfactant (e.g. sodium cholate, SC) mediated aqueous liquid phase exfoliation is a common method of fabricating 2D-MoS2 nanosheets. This method produces defect free flakes with nanometer lateral size (2D-MoS2-SC).
This study investigates the effect of using sodium cholate to produce the 2D nanosheets (2D-MoS2-SC) on the electrocatalytic behaviour towards the HER when compared to 2D-MoS2 produced without a surfactant. The 2D-MoS2-SC nanosheet surface was characterised using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electrocatalytic performance was evaluated by measuring the HER onset potentials, current densities and Tafel values.