Facile Synthesis of MoS 2 @CNT as an Effective Catalyst for Hydrogen Production in Microbial Electrolysis Cells
Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) can produce hydrogen gas from organic compounds in an energy‐efficient way by taking advantage of the potential generated by microorganisms. However, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in MECs is slow and thus requires catalysts. A challenge for MEC development therefore lies in the development of cost‐effective HER catalysts. In this study, a nanocomposite with molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) coated on highly conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was synthesized as an alternative HER catalyst, and examined in an MEC for hydrogen production. Linear sweep voltammogram experiments demonstrated enhanced HER activity with increasing CNT content. The results suggest that conductivity may be the main limiting factor for overall HER catalysis by MoS 2 . MEC tests showed that MoS 2 /CNT‐90 achieved hydrogen production that was comparable to the Pt‐based catalyst. The low cost of the MoS 2 composites will make it competitive as an effective HER catalyst for future MEC applications.
Source: ChemElectroChem
Authors: Heyang Yuan, Jianyang Li, Chris Yuan, Zhen He
Institutions: Virginia Tech, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2079163027