Abstract
Metallic transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs)1–8 are good catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The overpotential and Tafel slope values of metallic phases and edges9 of two-dimensional (2D) TMDs approach those of Pt. However, the overall current density of 2D TMD catalysts remains orders of magnitude lower (~10–100 mA cm−2) than industrial Pt and Ir electrolysers (>1,000 mA cm−2)10,11. Here, we report the synthesis of the metallic 2H phase of niobium disulfide with additional niobium (2H Nb1+xS2, where x is ~0.35)12 as a HER catalyst with current densities of >5,000 mA cm−2 at ~420 mV versus a reversible hydrogen electrode. We find the exchange current density at 0 V for 2H Nb1.35S2 to be ~0.8 mA cm−2, corresponding to a turnover frequency of ~0.2 s−1. We demonstrate an electrolyser based on a 2H Nb1+ xS2 cathode that can generate current densities of 1,000 mA cm−2. Our theoretical results reveal that 2H Nb1+ xS2 with Nb-terminated surface has free energy for hydrogen adsorption that is close to thermoneutral, facilitating HER. Therefore, 2H Nb1+ xS2 could be a viable catalyst for practical electrolysers.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Nature materials |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - Jan 1 2019 |
Fingerprint
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Chemistry(all)
- Materials Science(all)
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering
Cite this
Ultrahigh-current-density niobium disulfide catalysts for hydrogen evolution. / Yang, Jieun; Mohmad, Abdul Rahman; Wang, Yan; Fullon, Raymond; Song, Xiuju; Zhao, Fang; Bozkurt, Ibrahim; Augustin, Mathias; Santos, Elton J.G.; Shin, Hyeon Suk; Zhang, Wenjing; Voiry, Damien; Jeong, Hu Young; Chhowalla, Manish.
In: Nature materials, 01.01.2019.Research output: Contribution to journal › Letter
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Ultrahigh-current-density niobium disulfide catalysts for hydrogen evolution
AU - Yang, Jieun
AU - Mohmad, Abdul Rahman
AU - Wang, Yan
AU - Fullon, Raymond
AU - Song, Xiuju
AU - Zhao, Fang
AU - Bozkurt, Ibrahim
AU - Augustin, Mathias
AU - Santos, Elton J.G.
AU - Shin, Hyeon Suk
AU - Zhang, Wenjing
AU - Voiry, Damien
AU - Jeong, Hu Young
AU - Chhowalla, Manish
PY - 2019/1/1
Y1 - 2019/1/1
N2 - Metallic transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs)1–8 are good catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The overpotential and Tafel slope values of metallic phases and edges9 of two-dimensional (2D) TMDs approach those of Pt. However, the overall current density of 2D TMD catalysts remains orders of magnitude lower (~10–100 mA cm−2) than industrial Pt and Ir electrolysers (>1,000 mA cm−2)10,11. Here, we report the synthesis of the metallic 2H phase of niobium disulfide with additional niobium (2H Nb1+xS2, where x is ~0.35)12 as a HER catalyst with current densities of >5,000 mA cm−2 at ~420 mV versus a reversible hydrogen electrode. We find the exchange current density at 0 V for 2H Nb1.35S2 to be ~0.8 mA cm−2, corresponding to a turnover frequency of ~0.2 s−1. We demonstrate an electrolyser based on a 2H Nb1+ xS2 cathode that can generate current densities of 1,000 mA cm−2. Our theoretical results reveal that 2H Nb1+ xS2 with Nb-terminated surface has free energy for hydrogen adsorption that is close to thermoneutral, facilitating HER. Therefore, 2H Nb1+ xS2 could be a viable catalyst for practical electrolysers.
AB - Metallic transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs)1–8 are good catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The overpotential and Tafel slope values of metallic phases and edges9 of two-dimensional (2D) TMDs approach those of Pt. However, the overall current density of 2D TMD catalysts remains orders of magnitude lower (~10–100 mA cm−2) than industrial Pt and Ir electrolysers (>1,000 mA cm−2)10,11. Here, we report the synthesis of the metallic 2H phase of niobium disulfide with additional niobium (2H Nb1+xS2, where x is ~0.35)12 as a HER catalyst with current densities of >5,000 mA cm−2 at ~420 mV versus a reversible hydrogen electrode. We find the exchange current density at 0 V for 2H Nb1.35S2 to be ~0.8 mA cm−2, corresponding to a turnover frequency of ~0.2 s−1. We demonstrate an electrolyser based on a 2H Nb1+ xS2 cathode that can generate current densities of 1,000 mA cm−2. Our theoretical results reveal that 2H Nb1+ xS2 with Nb-terminated surface has free energy for hydrogen adsorption that is close to thermoneutral, facilitating HER. Therefore, 2H Nb1+ xS2 could be a viable catalyst for practical electrolysers.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85071226256&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85071226256&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1038/s41563-019-0463-8
DO - 10.1038/s41563-019-0463-8
M3 - Letter
C2 - 31451781
AN - SCOPUS:85071226256
JO - Nature Materials
JF - Nature Materials
SN - 1476-1122
ER -