3D Nanohybrid of MoS2 nanocoils functionalized carbon xerogels for methanol electro-oxidation

Searching for suitable low-cost electro-catalysts for methanol oxidation with high stability is a big chal-lenge. Here, we report the successful preparations of carbon xerogels (CX) derived from resorcinol and formaldehyde monomors. Carbon xerogel was further functionalized with transition metals and transition metal dichalcogenides namely; Mo, W, MoS2 and WS(2 )through the hydrothermal process in presence of nickel foam (NF). These binder free nanocomposites were employed as electro-catalysts for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). An outstanding electrochemical activity for MoS2/CX/NF electro-catalyst for MOR was observed that delivered high current density of about 550 mA?cm(-2 )and long-term stability. This outstanding electro-catalytic performance towards MOR for MoS2/CX are due to the unique nanocoil structure of MoS2, which increases mesoporosity and active surface area, allowing for sufficient electrical conductive channels and pathways for electrons. This work could introduce a promising electro-catalyst for large scale commercial fuel cell applications. (C) 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

In this study, carbon xerogels derived from resorcinol and formaldehyde monomers were successfully prepared and functionalized with transition metals and transition metal dichalcogenides. The MoS2/CX/NF electro-catalyst exhibited outstanding electrocatalytic performance for methanol oxidation reaction with high current density and long-term stability. The unique nanocoil structure of MoS2 increased mesoporosity and active surface area, providing sufficient electrical conductive channels and pathways for electrons.