Hydrothermally Synthesized MoS2 Nanoclusters for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

As an alternative to noble metals, MoS2 has been recognized as promising active and earth abundant electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, we demonstrate novel 2H-phase MoS2 nanoclusters as efficient electrocatalyst for HER, prepared via hydrothermal process without using additional reducing agents to precursors. The MoS2 nanoclusters coated carbon paper electrode shows Tafel slope of 103 mV dec−1 at voltage sweep rate of 2 mV s−1 for HER with onset potential and over-potential (η10) of 0.132 and 0.212 V, respectively. The good catalytic performance can be attributed to large accessible electrochemically active surface area and sites along with easy transport of electrolyte due to hydrophilic nature of prepared MoS2 nanoclusters. © 2020 Wiley-VCH GmbH