High catalytic performance of tungsten disulphide rodes in oxygen evolution reactions in alkaline solutions

Abstract

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) via electrocatalytic water splitting is crucial for efficient electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Herein, we describe the preparation of the rod-like structure of tungsten disulphide (WS2) as efficient catalysts for OER. Exfoliated tungsten disulphide was used as a source of the rods. The reshaping process required high-temperature treatment with the assistance of hydrogen and ethylene. We propose a structure with novel morphology and promising performance as an electrocatalyst. The rod-like structure was manifested by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements including HAADF intensity line profile. Further structural insights were obtained in X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The structures exhibited apparent electrocatalytic activity toward OER overpotential =351 mV at 10 mA/cm2 which is superior in respect to exfoliated tungsten disulphide (overpotential =564 mV at 10 mA/cm2).