Highly active WS2 catalysts attached to two carbon substrates for oxygen reduction reaction

Due to the sluggishness of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), the industrialization of fuel cells (FCs) is hindered by the expensive and scarce platinum metal in the cathode. The exploration of low-cost, stable and efficient Pt-free catalysts becomes particularly urgent. Composite catalysts formed by WS2 which makes it attachment to two carbon substrates were synthesized by hydrothermal method. The results of the morphology and composition characterization for two composite catalysts predict their excellent ORR activity. Electrochemical researches have confirmed this prediction. WS2 /activated carbon (AC) and WS2 /reduced graphene oxide (rGO) demonstrate excellent electrocatalytic performance with onset potential of 0.96 V and 0.90 V (vs. RHE) and durability with the attenuation of only 3.6% and 4.4% of the initial current after 8 h of continuous operation. ORR occurring on WS2 /AC and WS2 /rGO demonstrates a typical 4-electron pathway. The present research provides a feasible strategy for expanding novel, low-cost, effective, and stable ORR catalysts as alternative catalysts for Pt/C. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.