Robust self-supporting MoS2@Ni2B-GO/CNT electrode for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic medium

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2024-09, Vol.84, p.394-400
• Main Authors: AlNahyan, Maryam, Lalwani, Shubra, Zhang, TieJun, AlGhaferi, Amal, AlMarzooqi, Faisal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon paper; Heterostructure; Molybdenum disulfide; Nickle boride; Self-supporting electrode
• ISSN: 0360-3199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.08.009

Molybdenum sulphide (2D-MoS2) promises great potential as a hydrogen evolution (HER) catalyst, especially, when combined with conductive carbon supports like graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotubes (CNT). However, the hydrophobic nature of these carbon supports limits the catalytic potential of MoS2. To overcome this, we introduced hydrophilic Nickel Boride (Ni2B) into GO/CNT electrodes (Ni2B-GO/CNT), enhancing wettability (Contact angle-25.3°) and HER activity. By hydrothermally depositing MoS2 onto the hydrophilic Ni2B-GO/CNT electrode, we fabricated a self-supporting MoS2@Ni2B-GO/CNT electrode. The MoS2 deposition led to the formation of MoS2@Ni2B-GO/CNT heterostructure with multiple interfaces, favoring interfacial electronic redistribution (XPS) to significantly improve the HER activity. Thus, the proposed MoS2@Ni2B-GO/CNT electrode exhibited an excellent durability of 100 h (97%) and an overpotential of 224 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in acidic medium. [Display omitted] •Hydrothermal growth of MoS2 on Ni2B-GO/CNT to form a self-supporting electrode.•Hydrophilic Ni2B was incorporated into the GO/CNT matrix to enhance electrode wettability.•Enhanced HER catalytic activity from a heterostructure of MoS2 with Ni2B, GO and CNT.•Excellent durability of MoS2@ Ni2B-GO/CNT was achieved for 100 h in acidic medium.