MoS2 nanosheets grown vertically on N-doped carbon nanotubes embedded CoP nanoparticles for efficient hydrogen evolution

Abstract

MoS2 nanosheets were vertically grown on N-doped carbon nanotube embedded CoP nanoparticles for superior hydrogen evolution performance. Namely, N-doped carbon nanotubes embedded Co nanoparticles with different Co/C mass ratios were prepared by a thermal polymerization procedure. These Co nanoparticles were transferred then into CoP via a phosphorization process. MoS2 nanosheets were grown on the N-doped carbon nanotubes with CoP nanoparticles through a hydrothermal synthesis. The performance of N-doped carbon nanotubes embedded Co nanoparticles in hydrogen evolution reaction were adjusted with the change of Co/C ratios and calcination temperature. It is interesting that the phosphorization process and vertical growth of MoS2 nanosheets promoted hydrogen evolution performance greatly. After growing MoS2 nanosheets, N-doped carbon nanotubes embedded CoP nanoparticles exhibits excellent electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance in an alkaline electrolyte (1 M KOH). Compared to N-doped carbon nanotube embedded Co nanoparticles, the composite sample revealed low onset potential, small Tafel slope and good stability. The excellent electrocatalytic property is attributed to the synergistic effect of MoS2 nanosheet and N-doped carbon nanotube embedded CoP nanoparticles as well as N-doped carbon nanotubes improved their electronic structure and increased conductivity.