Rational design of MoS2@M (M=Sn, Cu, Ni, Co) hybrid nanostructures for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

MoS2 has attracted attraction in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The low electrical conductivity and limited exposure of active sites hindered the electrocatalytic efficiency of MoS2. In this paper, we design MoS2@M (M = Sn, Cu, Ni, Co) hybrid nanostructures by growing MoS2 nanosheets on the surface of M (M = Sn, Cu, Ni, Co) nanowires. Due to the high conductivity of metal nanowires and the increased HER active sites, the MoS2@M (M = Sn, Cu, Ni, Co) hybrid nanostructures show a superior HER efficiency. In alkaline media, the MoS2@M (M = Sn, Cu, Ni, Co) hybrid nanostructures exhibit the low overpotential of 130–172 mV at the current density of 10 mA/cm2 and a small Tafel slope of 61–86 mV/dec. In addition, the MoS2@M (M = Sn, Cu, Ni, Co) hybrid nanostructures also possess excellent electrocatalytic durability. This work provides an efficient way to achieve highly efficient MoS2 based electrocatalysts for water splitting.