Strategy for enhancing the hydrogen evolution reaction properties of $$\hbox {MoS}_{\mathrm {2}}$$ by utilizing the ordered mesoporous carbon as support and modification with nickel

Abstract

Surface modification of electrocatalyst suitable for yielding reduced overpotential with improved exchange current density at the interface is highly desired for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, the present report demonstrates the HER performance of ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC)-supported nickel-modified $$\hbox {MoS}_{\mathrm {2}}$$ electrocatalysts [NiMoS(x)–OMC] synthesized by hydrothermal route. Inherent activity of pristine $$\hbox {MoS}_{\mathrm {2}}$$ was improved by two vital surface strategies utilizing OMC as the support matrix for the dispersed growth of active catalyst and surpassing the active sites formation via augmentation of various concentrations of nickel. Crystalline phase, heterostructure vibrations, morphological orientation and electrocatalytic property of the prepared catalysts are comprehensively studied using different spectroscopic methods. Linear sweep voltammetric analysis suggests that the HER from the pristine $$\hbox {MoS}_{\mathrm {2}}$$ could be amplified by introducing OMC as support matrix. Synergistic enrichment of Ni (3 and 5 wt%) on $$\hbox {MoS}_{\mathrm {2}}$$ –OMC matrix enables both the lowest onset potential (180 and 185 mV) and Tafel slope values (103 and 100 mV per decade), with retained stability promising for further optimization and scalability.