Nanoseminar in Chemistry & Materials

Speaker: Prof. Fritz C. Huguenin, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences, and Letters of Ribeirão Preto/University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil / Former Postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Physics of São Carlos/University of São Paulo. Supervisor: Prof. Osvaldo Novais de Oliveira Jr. / Former Postdoctoral fellowship at ICN2/Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Supervisor: Dr. Pedro Gómez-Romero / Productivity Fellow of CNPQ/Brazil

Abstract: Recent advancements in clean and efficient hydrogen generation technologies have led to the development of water electrolysis as a viable option. This presentation focuses on the kinetic study of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using thin layers of MoS2 as an electrocatalyst in an acidic medium. By employing time-domain and frequency-domain electrochemical methods, the researchers aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the HER processes. A rotating glassy carbon electrode was utilized to enhance control and accuracy in determining kinetic parameters. The MoS2 catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity, with a high exchange current density, turnover frequency value, and low onset potential. The rate-limiting step was identified as the Heyrovsky step, and the calculated rate constants supported the conclusion that MoS2 deposited on vitreous carbon was highly active for HER. The study suggests that electrochemical activation could be an efficient and cost-effective method for producing MoS2-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen production. Although further optimization is required for large-scale applications, this research contributes valuable insights into the electrochemical reduction of MoS3 to MoS2 and the development of MoS2-based electrocatalysts for HER, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient hydrogen production systems.

Hosted by Prof. Pedro Gómez-Romero, Novel Energy - Oriented Materials Group Leader.

A coffee service will be available at the room for attendees.