Controllable fabrication of Fe3S4 nanocrystals and its electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution properties

In order to obtain better electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance, Fe₃S₄ with different morphologies was synthesized by controlling the reaction conditions. During that progress, the ferric oleate as an iron source, and the sulfur powder dissolved in oleylamine as a sulfur source. Fe₃S₄ with particle morphology proved to have the best electrochemical catalytic activity after adding 40% carbon black. In dehydrogenation, the overpotential was 234 mV and the Tafel slope was 213 mV/dec at a current density of 10 mA/cm². Meanwhile, Fe₃S₄ with a particle morphology exhibited superior electrochemical stability. Therefore, the controllably fabricated Fe₃S₄ with a particle morphology is a promising electrocatalyst for dehydrogenation.