Premium
Ultrathin WS 2 Nanoflakes as a High‐Performance Electrocatalyst for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Author(s) -
Cheng Liang,
Huang Wenjing,
Gong Qiufang,
Liu Changhai,
Liu Zhuang,
Li Yanguang,
Dai Hongjie
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201402315
Subject(s) - overpotential , tafel equation , electrocatalyst , catalysis , monolayer , materials science , electrochemistry , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , platinum , chemistry , organic chemistry , electrode , engineering
Much has been done to search for highly efficient and inexpensive electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which is critical to a range of electrochemical and photoelectrochemical processes. A new, high‐temperature solution‐phase method for the synthesis of ultrathin WS 2 nanoflakes is now reported. The resulting product possesses monolayer thickness with dimensions in the nanometer range and abundant edges. These favorable structural features render the WS 2 nanoflakes highly active and durable catalysts for the HER in acids. The catalyst exhibits a small HER overpotential of approximately 100 mV and a Tafel slope of 48 mV/decade. These ultrathin WS 2 nanoflakes represent an attractive alternative to the precious platinum benchmark catalyst and rival MoS 2 materials that have recently been heavily scrutinized for the electrocatalytic HER.