Synthesis and Characterization of Selenide based Paper Electrode for Water Splitting Applications

Abstract

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of electrochemical water splitting play critical roles in energy conversion technology that converts renewable electricity to hydrogen fuel, and the proper catalysts are critical to efficient electrochemical water splitting. Because of their unusual layered structure, relatively narrow bandgap, unique shape, and inexpensive cost, transition metal selenides (TMSes) are potential electrocatalysts for both HER and OER. However, their electrocatalytic HER and OER properties, particularly catalytic activity and endurance at high charge densities in alkaline media, are still far from suitable for practical deployment. Although its catalytic activity has to be increased, two-dimensional MoSe2 has emerged as a promising electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A microwave-assisted approach was used to produce MoSe2 nano powder. Many energy-related technologies rely on the development of improved electrocatalysts to enable efficient hydrogen evolution reactions via water splitting. Although the intermediate structure of individual components in the catalysts affects water splitting efficiency, its catalytic activity needs to be increased further. RAMAN spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and cyclic voltammetry are used to investigate the structural features. The electrochemical characteristics of TMSes are discussed and organised accordingly. TMS structural engineering and composition are summarised. Finally, the challenges and prospects confronting TMSes-based electrocatalysts in advanced HER, OER, and other applications are discussed.