Three dimensional CNTs aerogel/MoSx as an electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

•CNTs aerogel supports provides a large surface area needed for the MoSx to contact readily with the liquid electrolyte and highly hydrated framework.•CNTs aerogel supports to stabilize MoSx.•CNTs aerogel provides an excellent electron pathway to and from of MoSx catalyst particles which leads to lower charge-transfer resistance and demonstrate the enhanced electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction.

Preparation of electrocatalysts with high activity and low cost are essential for mass production of hydrogen. However, preparation of such catalyst are still highly challenging thus far. In this paper, we focus on preparation of a three- dimensional CNTs aerogel/MoSx catalyst by using solvothermal process. The MoSx material has been successfully combined with three- dimensional CNTs aerogel and creates a sufficient active site exposure as well as 3D conductive networks for fast charge transport. Due to this the catalyst exhibited high activity for HER with a small onset over potential of ∼150 mV, a Tafel slope of 62 mV dec−1, and an exchange current density of 6.4 mA cm−2. The catalysts also show excellent stability during long-term 1000 cycles and electrolysis confirm the durability of the catalyst. The enhanced performance is attributed to synergistic effects of CNTs aerogel and MoSx, which enhance the activities for both components for HER.

Graphical abstractCNTs aerogel supports provides a large surface area needed for the MoSx to contact readily with the liquid electrolyte and CNTs aerogel supports to stabilize MoSx.CNTs aerogel provides an excellent electron pathway to and from of MoSx catalyst particles which leads to lower charge-transfer resistance and demonstrate the superior electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide