3D Nanohybrid of MoS2 nanocoils functionalized carbon xerogels for methanol electro-oxidation

Searching for suitable low-cost electro-catalysts for methanol oxidation with high stability is a big challenge. Here, we report the successful preparations of carbon xerogels (CX) derived from resorcinol and formaldehyde monomors. Carbon xerogel was further functionalized with transition metals and transition metal dichalcogenides namely; Mo, W, MoS 2 and WS 2 through the hydrothermal process in presence of nickel foam (NF). These binder free nanocomposites were employed as electro-catalysts for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). An outstanding electrochemical activity for MoS 2 /CX/NF electro-catalyst for MOR was observed that delivered high current density of about 550 mA‧cm −2 and long-term stability. This outstanding electro-catalytic performance towards MOR for MoS 2 /CX are due to the unique nanocoil structure of MoS 2 , which increases mesoporosity and active surface area, allowing for sufficient electrical conductive channels and pathways for electrons. This work could introduce a promising electro-catalyst for large scale commercial fuel cell applications. • Carbon xerogel as a support was prepared from resorcinol and formaldehyde monomers. • The carbon xerogel was functionalized with W, Mo, WS 2 and MoS 2 . • The nanocomposites were tested as electrocatalysts for methanol electro-oxidation in basic medium. • A relationship between the nanocomposite morphology and the electrochemical performance to methanol oxidation was found. • The nanocoil structure of MoS 2 /CX has the best performance for MOR due to its high mesoporosity and active surface area.