Robust P-N Heterojunction Polymer Nanocomposites: Advanced pH-Universal Electrocatalysts for Highly Efficient and Stable Water-Splitting Hydrogen Production

Abstract

The development of hydrogen energy is key in order to move toward net-zero carbon emissions; however, efficient, low-cost, pH-universal hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts remain a significant challenge. Organic polyaniline (PANI) and inorganic exfoliated molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) nanosheets are P-type and N-type semiconductors. Their combination facilitates formation of an organic-inorganic P-N heterojunction interface, which promotes efficient charge transfer from PANI to MoSe2 and enhances HER catalysis under universal pH conditions. Here, we successfully constructed a MoSe2/PANI composite catalyst with a P-N heterojunction interface and excellent electrocatalytic performance by integrating biopolymer-functionalized exfoliated MoSe2 nanosheets with PANI on conductive nickel foam (NF) substrate through electropolymerization and electroactivation. Compared to the commercial platinum-carbon catalyst, MoSe2/PANI/NF exhibits superior electrocatalytic HER performance in acidic, alkaline, and simulated seawater electrolyte solutions, with similar Tafel slopes and lower overpotential and resistance values. Importantly, after 24 h of operation (100 mA/cm2) or 1000 cycles of cyclic voltammetry scanning in acidic and simulated seawater conditions, MoSe2/PANI/NF demonstrated excellent catalytic stability and environmental tolerance, indicating potential to achieve efficient and highly stable water electrolysis for hydrogen production. Therefore, this emerging system may enable the development of pH-universal, non-precious metal electrocatalysts for various energy applications.

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
07 May 2025
Accepted
02 Jul 2025
First published
03 Jul 2025

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Accepted Manuscript

Robust P-N Heterojunction Polymer Nanocomposites: Advanced pH-Universal Electrocatalysts for Highly Efficient and Stable Water-Splitting Hydrogen Production

C. Cheng and K. K. Kuchayita, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Accepted Manuscript , DOI: 10.1039/D5TA03626G

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