Defect-rich MoS2/r-GO hybrid via microwave-assisted solvothermal process for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Defect-rich MoS2/r-GO hybrids are successfully synthesized via microwave-assisted solvothermal process, and their electrocatalytic properties for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are evaluated. The hybrids exhibit low overpotential of 86 mV at 10 mA cm(-2), with a Tafel slope of 44 mV dec(-1) as well as promising long-term stability. The activation energy required by HER is 25.4 kJ/mol, and the faraday efficiency reaches 86.3% at -0.16 V (vs. RHE). The attractive performance can be attributed to the abundant defects generated in highly disordered MoS2 phase, which help to expose a large number of active sites. In addition, the interaction between r-GO and MoS2 particles promotes the charge transfer process. This work provides a simple strategy for the rational design and mass fabrication of defect-rich MoS2-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.