Synergistic Catalytic Effect of MoS2 Nanoparticles Supported on Gold Nanoparticle Films for a Highly Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction

MoS2 nanoparticles supported on gold nanoparticle films (AuNP/MoS2 films) were constructed by a simple two-step drop-casting modification process on a glassy carbon electrode. The films realized a direct four-electron pathway for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media with an onset potential of -0.10 V versus the saturated calomel electrode. The films exhibited superior stability and better electrocatalytic performance than commercial Pt/C. Electrochemical studies and composition characterization illustrated that the enhanced catalytic activity of the AuNP/MoS2 films could be attributed to the synergistic effect of the positive onset potential of the gold nanoparticles for the ORR and the four-electron oxygen reduction properties of the ultrasmall MoS2 nanoparticles, which is different from gold nanoparticle and MoS2 nanoparticle modified electrodes.