Optimizing Microwave Synthesis Parameters of Amorphous MoS2/CNT Nanocomposites for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution using the Taguchi Method

Abstract

Conventional optimization studies that involve changing one parameter while keeping the others constant are frequently regarded as time-consuming and expensive. The Taguchi method, however, is a simpler and equally effective method for optimizing multiple operational variables in the statistical design of experimental methods. In this study, the Taguchi optimization method was used to determine the microwave synthesis conditions of amorphous molybdenum disulfide/carbon nanotubes (MoS2/CNTs), which included the amount of CNTs, reaction temperature, reaction time, microwave power, and the ratio of Mo source to S source (Mo:S) in the precursor, for the best performance output - Tafel slope. Tafel analysis is an important step in the screening process for all energy conversion electrocatalysis because it provides information on activity (via exchange current density) and reaction mechanism (via Tafel slope). The findings demonstrate that amorphous MoS2/CNTs possess both catalytic activity and stability within the voltage range of -220 to -230 mV (vs. NHE). The current density at a voltage of -350 mV (vs. NHE) is -8.94 mA/cm2, and the Tafel slope is measured to be 102 mV/dec.