Developments in Nanostructured MoS2-Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite Aerogel as an Electrocatalyst for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

Developing lightweight, highly active surfaces with a high level of performance and great stability is crucial for ensuring the dependability of energy harvesting and conversion devices. Aerogel-based electrocatalysts are an efficient option for electrocatalytic hydrogen production because of their numerous benefits, such as their compatibility with interface engineering and their porous architecture. Herein, we report on the facile synthesis of a nanorod-like molybdenum sulfide–reduced graphene oxide (M-rG) aerogel as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The 3D architecture of the network-like structure of the M-rG hybrid aerogel was created via the hydrothermal technique, using a saturated NaCl solution-assisted process, where the MoS2 was homogeneously incorporated within the interconnected rGO aerogel. The optimized M-rG-300 aerogel electrocatalyst had a significantly decreased overpotential of 112 mV at 10 mA/cm2 for the HER in alkaline conditions. The M-rG-300 also showed a higher level of reliability. The remarkable efficiency of the HER involving the M-rG-300 is principally attributed to the excellent connectivity between the rGO and MoS2 in the aerogel structure. The efficient interconnection influenced the achievement of a larger electrochemically active surface area, increased electrical conductivity, and the exposure of more active sites for the HER. Furthermore, the creation of a synergistic effect in the M-rG-300 aerogel is the most probable mechanism to boost the electrocatalytic activity.