Facile synthesis of flower-like MoSxSe2-x nanocomposites for efficient hydrogen evolution

Abstract

To solve the poor conductivity and limited active sites of MoSe2, ternary MoSxSe2-x nanosheets with defects were synthesized by a convenient hydrothermal process. The results showed that the introduction of S element not only improved the electron transfer ability, but also provided more electrocatalytic active sites. Consequently, the optimized MoSxSe2-x with a S/Se molar ratio of 1:1 (MoSSe) presented superior electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction performance with a low Tafel slope of 47 mV/dec, and a small overpotential of −165 mV at −10 mA/cm2 as well as good durability. This work provides an additional route for better understanding the modulation of multi-factors in designing and synthesizing MoSe2-based catalysts to improve their electrochemical activity.