Kuei-Hsien Chen

Layered MoS2 is considered as one of the most promising two-dimensional photocatalytic materials for hydrogen evolution and water splitting; however, the electronic structure at the MoS2-liquid interface is so far insufficiently resolved. Measuring and understanding the band offset at the surfaces of MoS2 are crucial for understanding catalytic reactions and to achieve further improvements in performance. Herein, the heterogeneous charge transfer behavior of MoS2 flakes of various layer numbers and sizes is addressed with high spatial resolution in organic solutions using the ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc/Fc+) redox pair as a probe in near-field scanning electrochemical microscopy, i.e. in close nm probe-sample proximity. Redox mapping reveals an area and layer dependent reactivity for MoS2 with a detailed insight into the local processes as band offset and confinement of the faradaic current obtained. In combination with additional characterization methods, we deduce a band alignment occurring at the liquid-solid interface.

Bimetal oxides are promising materials in the field of energy storage due to their various oxidation states, synergistic interactions among multiple metal species, and stability. In this work, Co3V2O8 hollow spheres are synthesized by a two-step hydrothermal method: (i) synthesis of V2O5 spheres and (ii) partial replacement of V by Co through the Kirkendall effect. As an electrode, it shows an extrinsic pseudocapacitive charge-storage mechanism due to different oxidation states of V and Co ions. Because of the low crystallinity degree of the mesoporous wall and high accessible surface area of hollow spheres, the optimum Co3V2O8 electrode reaches a high specific capacitance of 2376F g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1, which is more than two times higher than the top reported values, and a rate capability retention of ∼80% at 20 A g−1. Using Co3V2O8, activated carbon, and KOH as positive, negative electrodes, and electrolyte, respectively, a hybrid supercapacitor device presents maximum energy and power densities of 59.2 Wh kg−1 and 36.6 kW kg−1, respectively. Further, the aqueous supercapacitor device shows superior structural and electrochemical stabilities after 10,000 galvanostatic charge–discharge cycles because of the arrays of voids in the orthorhombic crystal structure of Co3V2O8 that can decrease the volume expansion/shrinkage during the intercalation/deintercalation processes. Our results provide a platform for exploring bimetallic Co and V-based oxides, hydroxides, and sulfides nanostructures as promising energy storage materials in the future.

Production of hydrogen from water electrolysis has stimulated the search of sustainable electrocatalysts as possible alternatives. Recently, cobalt phosphide (CoP) and molybdenum phosphide (MoP) received great attention owing to their superior catalytic activity and stability towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) which rivals platinum catalysts. In this study, we synthesize and study a series of catalysts based on hybrids of CoP and MoP with different Co/Mo ratio. The HER activity shows a volcano shape and reaches a maximum for Co/Mo = 1. Tafel analysis indicates a change in the dominating step of Volmer-Hyrovský mechanism. Interestingly, X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed a major ternary interstitial hexagonal CoMoP(2) crystal phase is formed which enhances the electrochemical activity.