Electrocatalytic properties of CoS2/MoS2/rGO as a non-noble dual metal electrocatalyst: The investigation of hydrogen evolution and methanol oxidation

Abstract A non-noble dual metal electrocatalyst based on CoS2/MoS2 embedded in reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was synthesized as an electrocatalyst for direct methanol fuel cells and hydrogen generation applications. In the methanol oxidation reaction, the CoS2/MoS2/rGO catalyst exhibited a maximum current density of 1.68 mA cm−2 at 290 K and 2.71 mA cm−2 at 310 K. In the hydrogen evolution reaction, Tafel slopes of 48 and 86 mV dec−1 and onset overpotentials of 90 and 160 mV were obtained for CoS2/MoS2/rGO and CoS2/MoS2, respectively. Furthermore, CoS2/MoS2/rGO as an anode catalyst in a single cell showed a maximum power density of 19 mW cm−2 at 60 °C. The excellent performance of the catalyst suggests its potential for energy production. The specific surface area and edge sites of the catalyst and the presence of rGO as a conductive material have a collective effect on the catalyst performance.