Astonishing performance of zinc iron sulfide with MoS2 composite in allium-shaped structure for comprehensive alkaline water splitting

Abstract

Electrochemical water splitting offers a promising avenue for producing clean hydrogen fuel, essential for a sustainable energy landscape. A highly efficient catalyst, featuring a one-dimensional structure, has been synthesized by combining zinc iron sulfide with molybdenum disulfide (ZFSMS) on a nickel foam substrate. This synthesis method utilizes a simple yet effective hydrothermal approach tailored for efficient water splitting. By carefully engineering the interface between zinc iron sulfide and molybdenum disulfide, the electronic conductivity of the catalyst is significantly boosted, enhancing its catalytic performance. The resulting hybrid, ZFSMS, exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic efficiency with minimal overpotentials. Specifically, overpotentials of 130 mV and 220 mV are recorded for the oxygen evolution reaction at 20 mA cm−2 and 50 mA cm−2, respectively. Moreover, for the hydrogen evolution reaction, overpotentials of 145 mV and 257 mV are observed at 10 mA cm−2 and 40 mA cm−2, respectively, in a 1.0 M potassium hydroxide solution. Notably, the ZFSMS-based electrolyzer operates at a low voltage of 1.5 V at 10 mA cm−2, underscoring its efficiency in facilitating electrochemical hydrogen generation. This catalyst good candidate for advancing green hydrogen production, contributing to the progress of sustainable and clean hydrogen fuel production methods.