Confined Growth of MoS2 by using a Two-Dimensional Metal-Organic Framework for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a promising electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the exposed active edge sites of MoS2 are limited due to its intrinsic stacking property. Herein, a highly exposed MoS2 hybrid electrocatalyst is prepared by a confined strategy of the pores of a 2D metal-organic framework (MOF). A low overpotential of 76 mV at 10 mA cm(-2) and a Tafel slope of 73 mV dec(-1) are achieved, which indicated greater efficiency than pristine MoS2. The denotative growth of MoS2 from the internal pore of 2D MOF on the surface effectively prevents its stacking and exposes much more active edge sites. Experimental results show that parts of Co are incorporated into MoS2, producing strong electronic interaction between Co and Mo atoms and accounting for the excellent HER activity of MoS2. This work demonstrates a confined strategy to prepare nanomaterials with highly exposed edge sites and enhanced intrinsic activity.

Automated summary

A highly exposed MoS2 hybrid electrocatalyst with active edge sites is successfully prepared by employing a confined strategy of the pores of a 2D metal-organic framework (MOF). The hybrid electrocatalyst shows better hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) efficiency, with a low overpotential of 76 mV at 10 mA cm(-2) and a Tafel slope of 73 mV dec(-1), compared to pristine MoS2. The denotative growth of MoS2 from the internal pore of 2D MOF prevents stacking and exposes more active edge sites, while the incorporation of Co into MoS2 enhances the HER activity through strong electronic interaction.