Transition metal dichalcogenides, especially MoS2 and related MoS3, have attracted attention as potential replacement of platinum for electrochemical energy applications. These materials are typically treated before the use in solvents. It is assumed that these solvents do not influence follow-up electrochemistry. Here, we show that the oxygen reduction overpotentials as well as inherent electrochemistry of MoS3 is dramatically influenced by solvents used, them being water, acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, or ethanol. This has a profound impact on the interpretation of the electrochemical studies and the choice of MoS x solvent treatment.

Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots Dept of Inorganic Chemistry University of Chemistry and Technology Technicka 5 Praha 6 166 28 Czech Republic

School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences National Institute of Education 1 Nanyang Walk Singapore 637616 Singapore

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