Preparation of WO₃/MoS₂/Carbon Nanomaterials Hybrid Structures for Potential Energy Applications

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) is one of the most interesting 2D nanomaterials, due to its very promising catalytic properties, including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Addition of highly conductive carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) can enhance its catalytic properties, while addition of tungsten trioxide (WO₃) nanoparticles can influence its photocatalytic response. Combining these materials can significantly affect hydrogen production from water, based on a photoelectrocatalytic reaction.<br/>In this study we propose decoration of MoS₂/CNMs hybrid materials with WO₃ nanoparticles to enhance their photocatalytic properties. MoS₂/CNMs hybrid materials were prepared by depositing MoS₂ nanoparticles on different carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), or carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using an impinging jet reactor. The use of this method allows for continuous production of MoS₂ nanoparticles with repeatable properties and is easily scalable. WO₃ nanoparticles were obtained through microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. Decoration of MoS₂/CNMs hybrid materials with WO₃ nanoparticles was obtained through physical mixing. The physicochemical properties of the obtained materials were analyzed using different techniques, such as: scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size analysis by laser diffraction (PSD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The electrochemical measurements, including linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and chronoamperometry (CA) were performed in order to evaluate the photoelectrocatalytic and capacitive properties of the obtained materials.<br/>The obtained results show that the catalytic behavior of the prepared materials is dependent on the type of used carbon nanomaterial and the addition of WO₃ nanoparticles is beneficial.<br/>The proposed preparation method is facile and easily scalable, which can influence the commercialization of non-Pt catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction leading to cheaper and cleaner energy.