Tailoring of Time for Hydrothermal Synthesis of 2D MoSe2 with Enhanced Adsorption and Electro-Catalytic Efficiency for Applications in Self-Cleaning and Hydrogen Energy Generation

Abstract

Molybdenum diselenide (MoSe₂), a 2D layered transition metal dichalcogenide, has garnered significant scientific research interest for its catalytic and electrocatalytic activities. Here, a straightforward hydrothermal procedure is used to synthesize MoSe₂ nanosheets (NSs) and focus on their adsorption capabilities and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity. The MoSe₂ NSs which are synthesized by 12 h of hydrothermal treatment found to exhibit the highest adsorption capacity of 91.67 mg g⁻¹. The kinetics of the adsorption process have been found to follow the pseudo-second-order model, signifying chemisorption and multilayer adsorption as described by the Freundlich isotherm. The thermodynamic analysis further suggests that the adsorption proceeds by endothermic and spontaneous mechanisms. The self-cleaning property of the adsorbent is demonstrated by degrading the dye on the adsorbent-coated cotton fabric. The sample created using a 12 h hydrothermal method has been shown to have a minimal Tafel slope of 58 mV dec⁻¹. It also shows excellent HER activity at low over-potential and possesses long-term durability. The dual functionality of MoSe₂ NSs in both adsorption and electrocatalytic activity highlights their potential for application in environmental remediation and renewable energy production.