One-pot synthesis of-carbon-supported MoO2 nanoparticles for efficient oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

In this work, we have reported the single-step synthesis of molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) nanoparticles at different reaction temperatures ranging from 400 to 600 °C through the solid-state reaction method. The effect of reaction temperature on the electrochemical activity of MoO2 is studied in detail. Waste polythene is highly dangerous to the ecosystem because its recycling releases harmful gases. In the present work, it is utilized as a reducing agent for the synthesis of MoO2 nanostructure. The sample exhibits flakes like structure which provides large surface area. The MoO2 nanoparticles are encapsulated within highly conductive carbon layers, which improves the electrochemical performance and structural stability of MoO2 nanoparticles. The electrochemical activity of the MoO2 samples synthesized at a reaction temperature of 600 °C shows optimal electrochemical performance. A low overpotential of 1.59 V is needed to achieve a current density of 10 mA/cm2 with a Tafel slope of 75.73 mV/dec. It also exhibits excellent stability over 2000 cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles. Such high electrochemical performance of the sample can be attributed to the higher amount of graphitic carbon present within the sample. The present work elucidates the cost-efficient and high-yield synthesis route to synthesize highly efficient electrocatalysts.