Electrocatalytic properties of MoS₂ synthesized using molybdenum foam for hydrogen evolution reaction

The development of electrocatalysts based on non-noble metals is vital for advancing the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) in water electrolysis, a key process for clean energy production. In this study, one-dimensional (1D) nanowires were synthesized on Molybdenum/Nickel Foam (MNF) using a solvothermal approach, with a focus on the impact of varying heating durations. Electrocatalytic performance was assessed through Tafel analysis across high and low potential regions using polarization plots. The sample heated for 12 h at 160°C demonstrated an overpotential of 158.8 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm², with Tafel slopes ranging from 489 to 254 mV/dec across different potential regions. Furthermore, structural and compositional analyses were conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. In addition, charge transfer kinetics were studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and stability tests were also conducted to test the catalyst performance under longer time periods.