Ultrahigh-current-density niobium disulfide catalysts for hydrogen evolution.

Title Ultrahigh-current-density niobium disulfide catalysts for hydrogen evolution.
Authors J. Yang; A.Rahman Mohmad; Y. Wang; R. Fullon; X. Song; F. Zhao; I. Bozkurt; M. Augustin; E.J.G. Santos; H.Suk Shin; W. Zhang; D. Voiry; H.Young Jeong; M. Chhowalla
Journal Nat Mater
DOI 10.1038/s41563-019-0463-8
Abstract

Metallic transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are good catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The overpotential and Tafel slope values of metallic phases and edges of two-dimensional (2D) TMDs approach those of Pt. However, the overall current density of 2D TMD catalysts remains orders of magnitude lower (~10-100?mA?cm) than industrial Pt and Ir electrolysers (>1,000?mA?cm). Here, we report the synthesis of the metallic 2H phase of niobium disulfide with additional niobium (2H NbS, where x is ~0.35) as a HER catalyst with current densities of >5,000?mA?cm at ~420?mV versus a reversible hydrogen electrode. We find the exchange current density at 0?V for 2H NbS to be ~0.8?mA?cm, corresponding to a turnover frequency of ~0.2?s. We demonstrate an electrolyser based on a 2H NbS cathode that can generate current densities of 1,000?mA?cm. Our theoretical results reveal that 2H NbS with Nb-terminated surface has free energy for hydrogen adsorption that is close to thermoneutral, facilitating HER. Therefore, 2H NbS could be a viable catalyst for practical electrolysers.

Citation J. Yang; A.Rahman Mohmad; Y. Wang; R. Fullon; X. Song; F. Zhao; I. Bozkurt; M. Augustin; E.J.G. Santos; H.Suk Shin; W. Zhang; D. Voiry; H.Young Jeong; M. Chhowalla.Ultrahigh-current-density niobium disulfide catalysts for hydrogen evolution.. Nat Mater. 2019;18(12):13091314. doi:10.1038/s41563-019-0463-8

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Niobium

41 Nb 92.906380000 Niobium

See more Niobium products. Niobium (atomic symbol: Nb, atomic number: 41) is a Block D, Group 5, Period 5 element with an atomic weight of 92.90638. Niobium Bohr ModelThe number of electrons in each of niobium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 12, 1 and its electron configuration is [Kr] 4d4 5s1. The niobium atom has a radius of 146 pm and a Van der Waals radius of 207 pm. Niobium was discovered by Charles Hatchett in 1801 and first isolated by Christian Wilhelm Blomstrand in 1864. In its elemental form, niobium has a gray metallic appearance. Niobium has the largest magnetic penetration depth of any element and is one of three elemental type-II superconductors (Elemental Niobiumalong with vanadium and technetium). Niobium is found in the minerals pyrochlore, its main commercial source, and columbite. The word Niobium originates from Niobe, daughter of mythical Greek king Tantalus.

Sulfur

16 S 32.065000000 Sulfur

See more Sulfur products. Sulfur (or Sulphur) (atomic symbol: S, atomic number: 16) is a Block P, Group 16, Period 3 element with an atomic radius of 32.066. Sulfur Bohr ModelThe number of electrons in each of Sulfur's shells is 2, 8, 6 and its electron configuration is [Ne] 3s2 3p4. In its elemental form, sulfur has a light yellow appearance. The sulfur atom has a covalent radius of 105 pm and a Van der Waals radius of 180 pm. In nature, sulfur can be found in hot springs, meteorites, volcanoes, and as galena, gypsum, and epsom salts. Sulfur has been known since ancient times but was not accepted as an element until 1777, when Antoine Lavoisier helped to convince the scientific community that it was an element and not a compound.

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