Hybrid Ag/MoS2 nanosheets for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen reduction

[Display omitted] •Chemically exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets used as substrate for Ag.•Ag/MoS2 nanohybrid exhibited high surface area.•Ag/MoS2 nanohybrid facilitates four-electron transfer.•Ag/MoS2 nanohybrid exhibits improved ORR activity rather than pure MoS2 and commercial Pt/C. Noble metal nanocrystals that provide effective charge transfer have received considerable attention because their high electrical conductivity is favorable for electrocatalysis. The development of highly efficient, active electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction is important for clean-energy devices, including fuel cells and energy storage applications. In this study, Ag deposited on the surface of two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide by a simple microwave method is used as an electrocatalyst. Because of its heterostructure and the increased specific surface area of the Ag/MoS2 nanohybrid, the Ag/MoS2 nanohybrid exhibits improved oxygen reduction reaction activity and similar stability with respect to pure MoS2 and commercial Pt/C in an alkaline solution. Because of the robust heterojunction between Ag and MoS2, the Ag/MoS2 nanohybrid exhibits excellent stability even after 2000 cycles. A four-electron transfer is observed for the synthesized Ag/MoS2 nanohybrid, which has potential applications in clean-energy devices.