Rapid bubble diffusion promotes efficient alkaline and simulated seawater electrolysis of Fe-MoS2/Ni9S8 with large interlayer spacing at 1000 mA cm−2

• Published in: Nano today 2025-04, Vol.61, p.102603, Article 102603
• Main Authors: Chang, Pu, Ding, Pengbo, Xing, Dan, Guan, Lixiu, Li, Zhuoao, Zhang, Shuo, Tao, Junguang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Large current density; MoS2 with enlarged layer spacing; Rapid bubble diffusion; Seawater splitting
• ISSN: 1748-0132
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2024.102603

Utilizing seawater for hydrogen production presents a promising opportunity in the future. However, challenges arise from the corrosion of electrodes by Cl- especially at high current densities. Here, construction of superhydrophilic Fe-intercalated Fe-MoS2/Ni9S8 heterostructure is reported. The incorporation of Fe-species enhances the kinetic processes in bubble dynamics. Electron transfer at interfaces enhances adsorption and separation of H and OH species. In 1 M KOH, the overpotentials for HER and overall water splitting (OWS) at 1000 mA cm−2 were 276 mV and 1.89 V, with long-term stability at 300 mA cm−2 over 1000 h. The formation of SO42- protective layers provides resistance to Cl- corrosion, resulting in significantly improved seawater OWS performance with low cell voltage of 1.72 V at 1000 mA cm−2 under practical conditions. Theoretical calculations highlight the importance of Fe-species intercalation. These results indicate that Fe-MoS2/Ni9S8 holds significant promise as high-performance catalyst for commercial seawater electrolysis. [Display omitted] •The incorporation of Fe-species enhances bubble dynamics.•The long-term stability at 300 mA cm−2 exceeds 1000 h.•A SO42- protective layers is formed to against Cl- corrosion in seawater.•Seawater splitting occurs at a low cell voltage of 1.72 V at 1000 mA cm−2.•Theoretical calculations highlight the importance of Fe-species intercalation.