Synthesis of MoS2(1-x)Se2x and WS2(1-x)Se2x alloys for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction performance

Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of molybdenum disulphoselenide (MoS2(1-x)Se2x) and tungsten disulphoselenide (WS2(1-x)Se2x) alloys onto FTO substrates, to obtain a higher hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity compared to pristine MoS2 and WS2. By incorporating selenium (Se) into MoS2 and WS2 matrices, an excellent HER catalytic activity was ensured in an acidic electrolyte with overpotentials of 141 mV and 167 mV @ 10 mA cm(-2) with Tafel slopes of 67 and 107 mV per decade for MoS2(1-x)Se2x and WS2(1-x)Se2x, respectively. Moreover, MoS2(1-x)Se2x and WS2(1-x)Se2x alloys showed robust durability over 20 h of continuous HER operation in acidic solutions. Our investigation provides the synthesis of tunable metal dichalcogenide hybrid structures with better electrochemical performance.