High-performance Mo2Ti2C3Tx/MoS2 hybrid electrocatalyst for sustainable hydrogen production

Abstract

Hydrogen (H₂) is widely regarded as a clean and sustainable energy carrier with the potential to mitigate environmental challenges associated with fossil fuel consumption. However, the scalability of electrochemical water splitting (EWS) for H₂ production is constrained by the high cost and limited availability of efficient electrocatalysts such as platinum (Pt), which are critical for driving the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). To address these challenges, there is growing interest in developing cost-effective, earth-abundant alternatives to precious metal-based electrocatalysts. In this study, we report the design and synthesis of a novel composite electrocatalyst comprising a double transition metal (DTM) MXene molybdenum titanium carbide (Mo₂Ti₂C₃T_x) integrated with molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) for HER in alkaline media. By systematically optimizing the MoS₂-to-MXene ratio, we identified the composite formulation MMS-2 as the most effective, achieving an overpotential of 298 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm². Additionally, MMS-2 exhibited a high electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of 195 cm² and demonstrated exceptional stability, maintaining a consistent performance over 24 h at 10, 20, and 30 mA/cm² current densities. These results highlight the potential of the MMS-2 composite as a durable and effective electrocatalyst for advancing sustainable H₂ production technologies.