Support interactive synthesis of nanostructured MoS2 electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

Here, we report facile and novel hydrothermal approach for the synthesis of nanostructured molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) using 3D mesoporous silica support. Observation of Raman bands E-2g(1) and A(1g) confirms the formation of layered MoS2 sheets. Scanning electron and transmission electron microscopic analysis clearly portrays highly stacked MoS2 sheets with vast edge sites. Stacking of MoS2 sheets are found responsible for the formation of flower like structure. In application to electrochemistry, the nanostructured MoS2 showed catalytic activity with a close four electron pathway in alkaline medium towards oxygen reduction reaction. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.