Date of Award

Spring 5-16-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Materials Science

First Advisor

Dr. Ram Gupta, rgupta@pittstate.edu

Second Advisor

Dr. Serif Uran, suran@pittstate.edu

Third Advisor

Dr. Siam Khamis, ksiam@pittstate.edu

Keywords

Electrocatalysis, FeCoNi-doped MoS₂, water splitting, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), material characterization.

Abstract

Electrochemical water splitting is a promising method for sustainable hydrogen production, addressing global energy challenges. However, its practical application is limited by the need for efficient and durable electrocatalysts for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this study, MoS₂ was doped with Co, Ni, and Fe at varying concentrations (5:0.5, 5:1, and 5:1.5) using a hydrothermal synthesis method to evaluate their potential as electrocatalysts for water splitting. Characterization revealed that metal doping significantly altered the electronic and morphological properties of MoS₂, enhancing its catalytic performance. Electrochemical evaluations in alkaline media demonstrated that Co-doped MoS₂ at a 5:1 ratio exhibited an overpotential of 162 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm² for HER, attributed to improved hydrogen adsorption and increased active sites. Conversely, Fe-doped MoS₂ at the same ratio showed an overpotential of 327 mV for OER, indicating efficient oxygen evolution facilitation. Ni-doped MoS₂ displayed moderate performance, with overpotentials of 249 mV for HER and 345 mV for OER at a 5:1 doping concentration. Stability tests indicated that both Co-doped and Fe-doped MoS₂ maintained consistent performance over 24 hours, suggesting their suitability for long-term water-splitting applications. These findings highlight the critical role of metal doping in enhancing the catalytic properties of MoS₂. Specifically, Co-doped MoS₂ is highly effective for HER, while Fe-doped MoS₂ excels in OER, making them promising candidates for overall water splitting. This study provides valuable insights into designing advanced materials for green hydrogen production and deepens our understanding of the mechanisms governing catalytic performance. This abstract maintains brevity while emphasizing the impact of different doping concentrations on the catalytic performance of MoS₂-based electrocatalysts. By focusing on key findings and their implications, it effectively communicates the essence of your research.

Comments

This research explores the development of Fe/Co/Ni-doped MoS₂ as advanced electrocatalysts for water splitting, contributing to sustainable hydrogen production. The study was conducted using hydrothermal synthesis and state-of-the-art characterization techniques to analyze the electronic and morphological changes induced by doping. Special thanks to the National Research Institute of Material Science and Advancement, Pittsburg State University, for providing the facilities and support for this work.

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