Highly efficient CeO2/GO co-doped MoS2 catalyst for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance

Abstract

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) has garnered significant attention as a highly efficient catalyst for hydrogen production due to its high activity, cost-effectiveness, and abundant availability. MoS₂ has the disadvantages of poor electrical conductivity and slow electron transfer rate. Here in, a strategy of regulation of facet of MoS₂ was developed to enhance the activity of MoS₂ for hydrogen production. The results show that the incorporation of cerium dioxide (CeO₂) and graphene oxide (GO) in MoS₂ promoted the growth of MoS₂ (002) and CeO₂ (111) crystal surface, which increased the number of active sites and the surface area of the MoS₂ electrode. In addition, the coupled facets of (002) of MoS₂ and (111) of CeO₂ reduced the intermediate energy barrier of the hydrolyzed ionization process for hydroxyl receptors, resulting in exceptional hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance and extended electrode lifespan. The TiO₂/MoS₂-CeO₂/GO electrode achieved the current density of 10 mA/cm² at an overpotential of 120 mV, a specific capacitance of 432.5 mF/cm² and an AC impedance of 3.25Ω. The maximum hydrogen production and hydrogen production efficiency reached 24.54 mmol/(h·cm²) and 69.84 %, respectively, which are 1.53 times and 2.09 times higher than those of TiO₂/MoS₂ electrode, respectively. The Volmer-Heyrovsky mechanism for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution was analyzed, and the stability and reusability of TiO₂/MoS₂-CeO₂/GO electrode were confirmed through 3000 cycles of CV test and 20 h water electrolysis testing. Additionally, the effects of electrode material, input voltage, electrolyte concentration and electrolyte temperature on hydrogen production were investigated. The work provides reference for designing high-performance electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution electrode materials.