Oxygen reduction reaction kinetics of 2H-MoS2 and mixed-phase 1T/2H-MoS2 as a metal-free cathodic catalyst for PEM fuel cells.

Search for a Platinum metal-free catalyst for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) is a concern to scientists as the Pt-catalyzed electrode comprises about 45% of the entire fuel cell stack cost. Due to layered structure, Two-dimensional (2D) MoS2 nanostructured materials have recently drawn attention as effective catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The 1T-phase of MoS2 (1T-MoS2) has higher electronic conductivity than the 2H-phase (2H-MoS2); high surface area 1T-MoS2 can have high electrocatalytic activity towards PEFFCs. Here, we report hydrothermally synthesized 2H-MoS2 and solvothermally synthesized mixed 1T/2H-MoS2 phases as a catalyst for ORR in PEM Fuel Cells. Owing to the high BET-specific surface area, hybrid 1T/2H-MoS2 showed better ORR activity than 2H-MoS2. The limiting current density of the 1T/2H-MoS2 hybrid structure is ‒7.1 mA cm−2 compared to Pt/C (‒8.2 mA cm−2) at 1600 rpm. The Tafel slope values of 2H-MoS2, 1T/2H-MoS2, and Pt/C are 92.7 mV dec−1, 57.5 mV dec−1, and 39.3 mV dec−1, respectively. The electron transferred during ORR are 3.8 and 1.8, respectively, for 1T/2H-MoS2 and 2H-MoS2 (in 0.1 M KOH) ; suggesting less formation of undesirable peroxide formation than 2H-MoS2. The 1T/2H-MoS2 displays better electrochemical durability compared to 2H-MoS2 (after 2000 CV cycles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]