Unique three-dimensional heterostructure of MoS2@Co-MOF decorated with Co-Al layered double hydroxide: An effective synergistic alkaline hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst

Development of non-platinum based electrocatalysts with optimized structure is significantly important to realize the blueprint of hydrogen economy. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) nanoflower heterostructure composite electrocatalyst for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is constructed (MoS2@Co-MOF@CoAl-LDHs/NF), which is composed of CoAl layered double hydroxides (CoAl-LDHs), in-situ Co-MOF and activated molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). Benefiting from the coordination effect between the components, act outs outstanding electrocatalytic activity for HER process, requiring only an overpotential of 96 mV to achieve 10 mA cm-2, a Tafel plot of 73.53 mV dec-1 in 1.0 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution, of which the overpotential and the Tafel plot compare favorably to the majority of reported non-noble-metal HER electrocatalyst material. Given the above description, this work breaks new prospects for the development of high-performance electrocatalysts in media that are not conducive to traditional catalyst design.

Automated summary

Development of non-platinum based electrocatalysts is crucial for achieving hydrogen economy. In this study, a three-dimensional nanoflower heterostructure composite electrocatalyst was developed for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The catalyst exhibited outstanding electrocatalytic activity, requiring a low overpotential to achieve high current density in 1.0 M KOH solution, surpassing the performance of most reported non-noble-metal HER electrocatalysts.