Electron induced construction of heterogeneous MoS2 for highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

MoS2 as one earth-abundant transition metals dichalcogenides has become a promising electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The synthesis of heterojunction structure via phase transformation and doping engineering could integrate synergistic effects to improve the electrocatalytic activity. Herein, we pro-pose to prepare the 1T/2H heterostructure of Ni-doped MoS2 nanosheets through the hydrothermal and doping methods. The extra electrons form donor Ni atoms can induce the phase transition of MoS2 (from 2H phase to 1T phase) via changing the configuration of the orbitals. Thus, the heterojunction of Ni-MoS2@CC-2 shows excellent catalytic activity with an overpotential of 112 mV at 10 mA cm-1 and a small Tafel slope of 87 mV dec-1. This work provides a new strategy for optimizing the catalytic activity of MoS2 for HER.

Automated summary

In this study, a method for preparing Ni-doped MoS2 nanosheets with a 1T/2H heterostructure was proposed via hydrothermal and doping methods. The phase transition of MoS2 (from 2H phase to 1T phase) was induced by the extra electrons formed by donor Ni atoms, which changed the configuration of the orbitals. The heterojunction of Ni-MoS2@CC-2 exhibited excellent catalytic activity, with an overpotential of 112 mV at 10 mA/cm-1 and a small Tafel slope of 87 mV/dec. This research provides a new strategy for optimizing the catalytic activity of MoS2 for hydrogen evolution reaction.