| 1. |
- Rafei, Mouna, et al.
(author)
-
Hydrogen evolution mediated by sulfur vacancies and substitutional Mn in few-layered molybdenum disulfide
- 2024
-
In: Materials Today Energy. - : Elsevier. - 2468-6069. ; 41
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- MoS2 is widely praised as a promising replacement for Pt as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), but even today, it still suffers from low performance. This issue is tackled by using Mn3+ as a surface modifier to trigger sulfur vacancy formation and enhance electron transport in few-layered 2H MoS2. Only 10% of Mn is sufficient to transform the semiconductive MoS2 into an active HER electrocatalyst. The insertion of Mn reduces both HER onset potential and Tafel slope which allows reaching 100 mA/cm2 at an overpotential of 206 mV, ten times larger of what undoped MoS2 can achieve. The enhanced activity arises because Mn3+ introduces electronic states near the conduction band, promotes sulfur vacancies, and increases the hydrogen adsorption. In addition to its facile production and extended shelf-life, Mn–MoS2 exhibits an efficiency of 73% at 800 mA/cm2 and 2.0 V when used in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers.
|
|
| 2. |
- Wu, Xiuyu, 1991-
(author)
-
Plasma spray coatings as catalysts for water splitting : exploring novel materials and strategies
- 2024
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Today, fossil fuels still play a dominant role in the global energy systems. However, they are depleting quickly and the combustion of them causes many environmental concerns, including global warming, air pollution, ozone layer depletion, and acid rain. In response to these environmental challenges, a transition from fossil fuel energy sources towards sustainable alternatives is urgent and necessary. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, hydrogen serves as an environmentally friendly fuel with exceptional energy density, and its combustion generates no greenhouse gases. Moreover, hydrogen holds the versatility to be produced, stored, and utilized by various sectors, including transportation, industry, and electricity generation. Electrolyzer technology offers a sustainable pathway for clean hydrogen production when using electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind power. The integration of hydrogen into energy systems holds significant potential for a decarbonized and sustainable future.In this thesis, we focused on creating affordable coatings using earth-abundant transition metals and explored their application as electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen production in alkaline and acidic environments. We developed novel synthetic routes and new materials, we studied their intricate structure and composition, and we were able to fine-tune their catalytic activity and durability. Our findings demonstrated that plasma spray technology offers a scalable approach for producing highly active catalysts, while also developing coatings that can tolerate acidic environments and extend the lifetime of the state-of-the-art oxygen evolution catalysts. Furthermore, we tested and discussed alternative materials aiming to offer cost-effective substitutes for expensive Pt-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen production.
|
|
