Nanorods of Bi–Co–S for Electrocatalysis of Glucose Oxidation and Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

In order to develop a non-precious metal-based catalyst, Bi–Co–S nanorods were prepared by a simple solvothermal method. The morphology and composition were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDXS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used to study the electrochemical oxidation of glucose in alkaline medium. Bi–Co–S nanorods with different ratio of Bi/Co were modified on the electrode and their electrocatalytic activities were compared. The results showed that Bi–Co–S nanorods with the 1:2 ratio of Bi/Co exhibited the lowest initial potential and the highest catalytic current. In addition, Bi–Co–S nanorods showed long-term durability. The introduction of Co significantly improves the catalytic activity of the catalyst, and the excellent performance of Bi–Co–S nanorods may be due to the synergy between the two sulfides.