Synthesis and electrocatalytic activity of Co1−xMoxSe2 for oxygen reduction

Co1−xMoxSe2 samples (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25) were synthesized using a solvothermal method. The expected compounds were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Their catalytic activities towards the oxygen reduction reaction were investigated. The molybdenum content had an influence on the performance of Co1−xMoxSe2, and Co0.85Mo0.15Se2 showed the best catalytic activity. At the same time, the testing results revealed that Co0.85Mo0.15Se2 featured a direct 4e− reaction pathway. The onset potential (0.760 V), half-wave potential (0.601 V), and cathodic peak potential (0.540 V) in 0.5 M H2SO4 were more positive than for the other samples. In addition, Co0.85Mo0.15Se2 displayed much better methanol tolerance and operation stability than commercial Pt/C (20 wt% Pt).