Synergizing lattice strain and electron transfer in TMSs@ 1 T-MoS2 in-plane heterostructures for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

• Published in: Applied catalysis. B, Environmental Environmental, 2023-07, Vol.328, p.122445, Article 122445
• Main Authors: Wang, Kaiwen, Yu, Kaifeng, Xu, Shaonan, Yuan, Shisheng, Xiang, Lijuan, Pang, Bingxue, Zheng, Jiaqi, Li, Nan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 1 T phase molybdenum disulfide; Electron effect; Hydrogen evolution reaction; In-plane heterostructure; Strain effect
• ISSN: 0926-3373; 1873-3883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2023.122445

The 1 T phase molybdenum disulfide (1 T-MoS2) is considered a promising candidate to replace Pt-based catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the less-active sites on the basal plane limit its electrocatalytic activity. Herein, we designed an in-plane heterostructure with transition metal sulfide (TMSs) clusters embedded in the 1 T-MoS2 nanosheets by substituting a portion of MoS2 nanodomains (TMSs@1 T-MoS2). Experimental and DFT results suggest that this unique structure induces lattice distortion of 1 T-MoS2 and electron transfer at the heterointerfaces from the TMSs to the 1 T-MoS2. Both factors synergistically regulate the electronic structure of the basal plane, thus improving hydrogen adsorption. Consequently, the TMSs@ 1 T-MoS2 exhibited significantly enhanced HER activity. In particular, NiS2 @ 1 T-MoS2 delivered 10 mA cm−2 at low overpotentials of 73 mV and 71 mV in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1.0 M KOH, respectively. [Display omitted] •TMSs@1T-MoS2 in-plane heterostructures with lattice distortion and electron transfer reveal excellent HER catalytic activity.