Generally,
electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by
water splitting is a pH-dependent reaction, which limits the widespread
harvesting of hydrogen energy. Herein, we present a simple way for
chemical bonding of MoS2 (002) planes and α-MoC {111}
planes to form in-plane heterostructures capable of efficient pH-universal
HER. Due to the lattice strain from mismatched lattice parameters
between α-MoC and MoS2, this catalyst changes the
electronic configuration of the MoS2 and thus acquires
the favorable proton adsorption and desorption activity, suggested
by the platinum (Pt)-like free Gibbs energy. Consequently, only a
low 78 mV overpotential is needed to achieve the current density of
10 mA cm–2 in acidic solution along with a favorable
Tafel kinetic process with a Tafel slope of 38.7 mV dec–1. Owing to the synergistic interaction between MoS2 (002)
planes and α-MoC {111} planes with strong water dissociation
activities, this catalyst also exhibits high HER performances beyond
that of Pt in neutral and alkaline. This work proves the advances
of in-plane heterostructures and illustrates the production of low-cost
but highly efficient pH-universal HER catalytic materials, promising
for future sustainable hydrogen energy.
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