WS₂ and Ag thin films encased trimetallic Ni-Co-Zn micro-flakes as an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction
Author Identifier
Yasir Arafat: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4365-6379
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Volume
1034
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Engineering
Funders
King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (ORF-2025-399)
Abstract
Single transition metal-based electrocatalysts typically exhibit lower HER activity compared to precious metals. However, combining multiple transition metals can elevate HER activity to levels on par with precious metals. Meanwhile, WS₂ is recognized as an effective HER electrocatalyst, with ongoing research exploring enhancements through doping and heterostructure formation. In the present study, a highly efficient HER electrocatalyst (Ag/NCZ-MF/WS₂) was developed by integrating WS₂ and Ag thin films with tri-metallic Ni-Co-Zn micro flakes (NCZ-MF). The designed electrocatalyst Ag/NCZ-MF/WS₂ exhibited excellent HER performance, achieving a current density of 10 mA/cm² at a low overpotential of 94 mV, with a Tafel slope of 56 mV/dec. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed minimal solution and charge transfer resistances (Rs = 1.35 Ω, Rct = 9 ×10⁻³ Ω), highlighting its superior electrochemical performance. Furthermore, chronoamperometry confirmed the long-term stability of Ag/NCZ-MF/WS₂, showing negligible activity loss after 10 h of continuous operation. The low intrinsic resistances, abundant active sites, high conductivity, enhanced and durable HER performance of Ag/NCZ-MF/WS₂ electrocatalyst, positioning it as a promising alternative to precious metal-based electrocatalysts.
DOI
10.1016/j.jallcom.2025.181413
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Comments
Aqif, M., Khan, R., Haider, S., Hussain, S., & Arafat, Y. (2025). WS₂ and Ag thin films encased trimetallic Ni-Co-Zn micro-flakes as an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 1034, 181413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2025.181413