Nanohybridization of MoS2 with Layered Double Hydroxides Efficiently Synergizes the Hydrogen Evolution in Alkaline Media

Abstract

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on earth-abundant molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2) in acidic media is a robust process, but is kinetically retarded in alkaline media. Thus, improving the sluggish kinetics for HER in alkaline media is crucial for advancing the performance of water-alkali electrolyzers. Here, we demonstrate a dramatic enhancement of HER kinetics in base by judiciously hybridizing vertical MoS 2 sheets with another earth-abundant material, layered double hydroxide (LDH). The resultant MoS 2 /NiCo-LDH hybrid exhibits an extremely low HER overpotential of 78 mV at 10 mA/cm 2 and a low Tafel slope of 76.6 mV/dec in 1 M KOH solution. At the current density of 20 mA/cm 2 or even higher, the MoS 2 /NiCo-LDH composite can operate without degradation for 48 hr. This work not only brought forth a cost-effective and robust electrocatalyst, but more generally opened up new vistas for developing high-performance electrocatalysts in unfavorable media recalcitrant to conventional catalyst design.

Engineered 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides—A Vision of Viable Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Catalysis

“…The stabilization of TMDs on the electrode can be realized by direct binding with other robust support such as carbon fibers and carbon papers. [ 148–151 ] The key challenge of developing 2D TMDs for alkaline‐based HER is how to improve the adsorption/dissociation of OH − and H 2 O molecules on the surface. Progress in this field suggested two main techniques, that are the chemical doping and the formation of a hybrid structure to tune the liquid/solid interface.…”

High Phase‐Purity 1T‐MoS2 Ultrathin Nanosheets by a Spatially Confined Template

“…The obtained ultrathin nanosheets exhibit good electrocatalytic activity and excellent stability in the hydrogen evolution reaction.Nanomaterials have shown various promising applications in optics, [1] catalysis, [2] and electronics, [3] owing to their unique physiochemical properties,w hich strongly depend on the crystal facet, morphology,d imension, and size.I nr ecent years,t he crystal phase has been reported as an important factor to affect the physical-chemical properties.F or exam-ple,M oS 2 is at ypical polyphase material which includes trigonal (1T), hexagonal (2H), rhombohedral (3R), and 1T' forms. Moreover,b oth the confined space and the structure of template will affect the purity of 1T-MoS 2 ;i nt his case,t his approach was extended to other similar spatially confined templates to obtain the high-purity material.…”

“…Nanomaterials have shown various promising applications in optics, [1] catalysis, [2] and electronics, [3] owing to their unique physiochemical properties,w hich strongly depend on the crystal facet, morphology,d imension, and size.I nr ecent years,t he crystal phase has been reported as an important factor to affect the physical-chemical properties.F or exam-ple,M oS 2 is at ypical polyphase material which includes trigonal (1T), hexagonal (2H), rhombohedral (3R), and 1T' forms. [4] Among them, the unique structure of 1T phase MoS 2 endows it with am etallic-like property, [5] showing higher electrical conductivity and catalytic activity.…”

Boosting Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis over Metallic Nickel Sites through Synergistic Coupling with Vanadium Sesquioxide

“…Metal–metal oxide catalysts have been widely recognized as an asset for reinforcing catalytic performances in chemical catalysis reactions . Following the strategy of synergistic interfaces in HER, many nanostructured interfaces have been developed, usually with one component based on an oxidized 3d transition metal as a water dissociation site to adsorb hydroxy groups and another component to adsorb hydrogen atoms and desorb hydrogen molecules . With this in mind, we considered ways to design and synthesize various high‐efficiency metal–metal oxide HER catalysts rationally and controllably.…”

“…[8][9][10][11] Following the strategy of synergistic interfaces in HER, [12] many nanostructured interfacesh ave been developed,u sually with one component based on an oxidized 3d transition metal as aw ater dissociation site to adsorb hydroxy groups and another component to adsorb hydrogen atoms and desorbh ydrogen molecules. [13][14][15] With this in mind, we considered ways to design and synthesize various high-efficiency metal-metal oxide HER catalysts rationally and controllably.V anadium-based oxides are earth-abundant, inexpensive, and versatile in their electronic structures, and may be regarded as apromising candidatefor electrocatalysis promoters. [16][17][18] Firstly,t he multivalent nature of Vp rovidesf lexibility to adjust charged istribution and accordingly tunet he active components.…”