One-Dimensional Hollow Structures of 2O-PdS₂ Decorated Carbon for Water Electrolysis

Author: High surface area (∼90 ± 2 m2/g), one-dimensional (1D) graphitic structures (diameter ∼ 145 ± 5 nm, and length ∼ 3 ± 1 μm) decorated with pentagonal layered 2O-PdS2 nanoclusters (PdS2/C) were developed. The synthesis method consists of low temperature (280 °C) sulfurization of a palladium complex, namely, palladium bis(dimethylglyoxime) ([Pd(DMG)2]n). Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) efficiency of the PdS2/C studied in acidic condition indicates its potential in stable water electrolysis performance (>20 h) in contrast to the HER performance of benchmarked Pd(0) nanoparticle counterpart. The low overpotential (∼137 mV vs RHE) for HER initiation, low tafel slope (∼73 mV/dec), and high stability even after several cycles showcase PdS2/C as a viable electrocatalyst for water electrolysis process having a low mass loading of expensive palladium (0.016 mg cm–2) metal.