Co modified ReS2 nanospheres coupled with Ti3C2Tx MXene nanohybrid heterostructures as bifunctional electrocatalyst for highly efficient water splitting applications

Abstract

Fabricating an inexpensive, bifunctional electrocatalysts for both electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline medium is crucial for renewable energy generation. In this regard, Cobalt modified ReS2 coupled with Ti3C2Tx MXene heterostructure catalysts are successfully prepared via in-situ hydrothermal process. Benefiting from the synergetic effect between Ti3C2Tx MXene and cobalt doped ReS2, multiple electrolyte transmission paths, abundant catalytic active sites, and facile charge transport, the optimized Co-doped Co-ReS2/Ti3C2Tx MXene nanohybrids exhibits an excellent electrocatalytic performance for both the HER and OER than pristine ReS2. Furthermore, Co-ReS2/Ti3C2Tx MXene nanohybrids electrocatalyst delivers low Tafel values for OER and HER at 1 M KOH solution. Additionally, the nanohybrid catalysts exhibit outstanding stability for 24 h for OER and HER without degradation. These results pave the way for improving the bifunctional electrocatalytic performance of ReS2 to be an ideal candidate for highly efficient water splitting applications.