MoS2 Nanosheets: A Designed Structure with High Active Site Density for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Atomic Layers for Lithium Polysulfides Electrocatalysis

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) chemistry is projected to be one of the most promising for next-generation battery technology, and controlling the inherent "polysulfide shuttle" process has become a key research topic in the field. Regulating intermediary polysulfide dissolution by understanding the metamorphosis is essential for realizing stable and high-energy-density Li-S batteries. As of yet, a clear consensus on the basic surface/interfacial properties of the sulfur electrode has not been achieved, although the catalytic phenomenon has been shown to result in enhanced cell stability. Herein, we present evidence that the polysulfide shuttle in a Li-S battery can be stabilized by using electrocatalytic transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Physicochemical transformations at the electrode/electrolyte interface of atomically thin monolayer/few-layer TMDs were elucidated using a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic analysis techniques. Preferential adsorption of higher order liquid polysulfides and subsequent conversion to lower order solid species in the form of dendrite-like structures on the edge sites of TMDs have been demonstrated. Further, detailed electrochemical properties such as activation energy, exchange current density, rate capabilities, cycle life, etc. have been investigated by synthesizing catalytically active nanostructured TMDs in bulk quantity using a liquid-based shear-exfoliation method. Unveiling a specific capacity of 590 mAh g^-1 at 0.5 C rate and stability over 350 cycles clearly indicates yet another promising application of two-dimensional TMDs.

Oxygen-Incorporated MoS2 Nanosheets with Expanded Interlayers for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction and Pseudocapacitor Applications

Two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) nanosheets have attracted tremendous research interest. Engineering the structure of MoS₂ may result in desirable performance for energy applications. In this work, oxygen-incorporated MoS₂ nanosheets with expanded interlayers have been synthesized by a solvothermal reaction. The oxygen-incorporated MoS₂ nanosheets with rich defects demonstrate excellent hydrogen evolution reaction activity with a small Tafel slope of 42 mV decade^-1 as well as excellent long-term stability. Interestingly, a large expanded ∼8.40 Å interlayer of (002) faces can be achieved by controlling the reaction time. This material also shows excellent long-term cycling stability (up to 20 000 cycles) as well as high specific capacitance for pseudocapacitors. We believe that the structural modification strategy can be applied for other TMDs to further optimize the performance for various applications.

Self-Templated Growth of Vertically Aligned 2H-1T MoS2 for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Semiconductor heterostructures of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal disulfide (TMD) have opened up approaches toward the integration of each function and implementations in novel energy and electronic devices. However, engineering TMD-based homostructures with tailored properties is still challenging. Herein, we demonstrate a solution-processed growth of vertically aligned 1T-MoS₂ using liquid-phase exfoliated 2H-MoS₂ as self-templates. The unique MoS₂-based homostructures not only provide more exposed active sites in the edge and basal plane for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) but also improve the mass transfer due to the introduction of high packing porosity. The resultant all-MoS₂ electrocatalysts with an integration of polymorphous MoS₂ nanostructures exhibit a superior HER activity with a low potential of 203 mV at 10 mA cm^-2, a small Tafel slope of 60 mV dec^-1, and a remarkable cyclic stability. This work thus provides a simple and efficient route for the creation of unprecedented MoS₂-based homostructured materials with exciting properties, especially as an inexpensive alternative to platinum catalysts in electrochemical hydrogen evolution production.

Solvent-Assisted Oxygen Incorporation of Vertically Aligned MoS2 Ultrathin Nanosheets Decorated on Reduced Graphene Oxide for Improved Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Three-dimensional oxygen-incorporated MoS2 ultrathin nanosheets decorated on reduced graphene oxide (O-MoS2/rGO) had been successfully fabricated through a facile solvent-assisted hydrothermal method. The origin of the incorporated oxygen and its incorporation mechanism into MoS2 were carefully investigated. We found that the solvent N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was the key as the reducing agent and the oxygen donor, expanding interlayer spaces and improving intrinsic conductivity of MoS2 sheets (modulating its electronic structure and vertical edge sites). These O dopants, vertically aligned edges and decoration with rGO gave effectively improved double-layer capacitance and catalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of MoS2. The prepared O-MoS2/rGO catalysts showed an exceptional small Tafel slope of 40 mV/decade, a high current density of 20 mA/cm(2) at the overpotential of 200 mV and remarkable stability even after 2000th continuous HER test in the acid media.

Contact and Support Considerations in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Activity of Petaled MoS2 Electrodes

Petaled MoS2 electrodes grown hydrothermally from Mo foils are found to have an 800 nm, intermediate, MoSxOy layer. Similar petaled MoS2 films without this intermediate layer are grown on Au. X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopies and transmission electron microscopy indicate the resulting petaled multilayer MoS2 films are frayed and exhibit single-layer, 1T-MoS2 behavior at the edges. We compare the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction activity via linear sweep voltammetry with Tafel analysis as well as the impedance properties of the electrodes. We find that petaled MoS2/Au and petaled MoS2/Mo exhibit comparable overpotential to 10 mA cm(-2) at -279 vs -242 mV, respectively, and similar Tafel slopes of ∼68 mV/decade indicating a similar rate-determining step. The exchange current normalized to the geometric area of petaled MoS2/Au (0.000921 mA cm(-2)) is 3 times smaller than that of petaled MoS2/Mo (0.00290 mA cm(-2)), and is attributed to the lower petal density on the Au support. However, Au supports increase the turnover frequency per active site of petaled MoS2 to 0.48 H2 Mo(-1) s(-1) from 0.25 H2 Mo(-1) s(-1) on Mo supports. Both petaled MoS2 films have nearly ohmic contacts to their supports with uncompensated resistivity Ru of <2.5 Ω·cm(2).

Ultra-high electrochemical catalytic activity of MXenes

Cheap and abundant electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) have been widely pursued for their practical application in hydrogen-energy technologies. In this work, I present systematical study of the hydrogen evolution reactions on MXenes (Mo₂X and W₂X, X = C and N) based on density-functional-theory calculations. I find that their HER performances strongly depend on the composition, hydrogen adsorption configurations, and surface functionalization. I show that W₂C monolayer has the best HER activity with near-zero overpotential at high hydrogen density among all of considered pure MXenes, and hydrogenation can efficiently enhance its catalytic performance in a wide range of hydrogen density further, while oxidization makes its activity reduced significantly. I further show that near-zero overpotential for HER on Mo₂X monolayers can be achieved by oxygen functionalization. My calculations predict that surface treatment, such as hydrogenation and oxidization, is critical to enhance the catalytic performance of MXenes. I expect that MXenes with HER activity comparable to Pt in a wide range of hydrogen density can be realized by tuning composition and functionalizing, and promotes their applications into hydrogen-energy technologies.

Recent Strategies for Improving the Catalytic Activity of 2D TMD Nanosheets Toward the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanosheets have emerged as a fascinating new class of materials for catalysis. These nanosheets are active for several important catalysis reactions including hydrogen evolution from water. The rich chemistry of TMDs combined with numerous strategies that allow tuning of their electronic properties make these materials very attractive for understanding the fundamental principles of electro- and photocatalysis, as well as for developing highly efficient, renewable, and affordable catalysts for large-scale production of hydrogen. Recent developments are highlighted and important challenges in using TMDs as catalysts are also discussed.

Engineering the Electronic Structure of 2D WS2 Nanosheets Using Co Incorporation as Cox W(1- x ) S2 for Conspicuously Enhanced Hydrogen Generation

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), as one of potential electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), have been extensively studied. Such TMD-based ternary materials are believed to engender optimization of hydrogen adsorption free energy to thermoneutral value. Theoretically, cobalt is predicted to actively promote the catalytic activity of WS2 . However, experimentally it requires systematic approach to form Cox W(1- x ) S2 without any concomitant side phases that are detrimental for the intended purpose. This study reports a rational method to synthesize pure ternary Cox W(1- x ) S2 nanosheets for efficiently catalyzing HER. Benefiting from the modification in the electronic structure, the resultant material requires overpotential of 121 mV versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) to achieve current density of 10 mA cm(-2) and shows Tafel slope of 67 mV dec(-1) . Furthermore, negligible loss of activity is observed over continues electrolysis of up to 2 h demonstrating its fair stability. The finding provides noticeable experimental support for other computational reports and paves the way for further works in the area of HER catalysis based on ternary materials.

Efficient hydrogen evolution in transition metal dichalcogenides via a simple one-step hydrazine reaction

Hydrogen evolution reaction is catalysed efficiently with precious metals, such as platinum; however, transition metal dichalcogenides have recently emerged as a promising class of materials for electrocatalysis, but these materials still have low activity and durability when compared with precious metals. Here we report a simple one-step scalable approach, where MoO_x/MoS₂ core-shell nanowires and molybdenum disulfide sheets are exposed to dilute aqueous hydrazine at room temperature, which results in marked improvement in electrocatalytic performance. The nanowires exhibit ∼100 mV improvement in overpotential following exposure to dilute hydrazine, while also showing a 10-fold increase in current density and a significant change in Tafel slope. In situ electrical, gate-dependent measurements and spectroscopic investigations reveal that hydrazine acts as an electron dopant in molybdenum disulfide, increasing its conductivity, while also reducing the MoO_x core in the core-shell nanowires, which leads to improved electrocatalytic performance.

Transition metal dichalcogenides are promising hydrogen evolution catalysts however they can require expensive processing steps to enhance their activity. Here, the authors report a one-step activation step in which room temperature hydrazine treatment results in much enhanced electrocatalytic performance.

2D Transition-Metal-Dichalcogenide-Nanosheet-Based Composites for Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reactions

Hydrogen (H2) is one of the most important clean and renewable energy sources for future energy sustainability. Nowadays, photocatalytic and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) from water splitting are considered as two of the most efficient methods to convert sustainable energy to the clean energy carrier, H2. Catalysts based on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are recognized as greatly promising substitutes for noble-metal-based catalysts for HER. The photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activities of TMD nanosheets for the HER can be further improved after hybridization with many kinds of nanomaterials, such as metals, oxides, sulfides, and carbon materials, through different methods including the in situ reduction method, the hot-injection method, the heating-up method, the hydro(solvo)thermal method, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and thermal annealing. Here, recent progress in photocatalytic and electrocatalytic HERs using 2D TMD-based composites as catalysts is discussed.

Hollow Structured Micro/Nano MoS₂ Spheres for High Electrocatalytic Activity Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has attracted extensive attention as a non-noble metal electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Controlling the skeleton structure at the nanoscale is paramount to increase the number of active sites at the surface. However, hydrothermal synthesis favors the presence of the basal plane, limiting the efficiency of catalytic reaction. In this work, perfect hollow MoS2 microspheres capped by hollow MoS2 nanospheres (hH-MoS2) were obtained for the first time, which creates an opportunity for improving the HER electrocatalytic performance. Benefiting from the controllable hollow skeleton structure and large exposed edge sites, high-efficiency HER activity was obtained for stacked MoS2 thin shells with a mild degree of disorder, proving the presence of rich active sites and the validity of the combined structure. In general, the obtained hollow micro/nano MoS2 nanomaterial exhibits optimized electrocatalytic activity for HER with onset overpotential as low as 112 mV, low Tafel slope of 74 mV decade(-1), high current density of 10 mA cm(-2) at η = 214 mV, and high TOF of 0.11 H2 s(-1) per active site at η = 200 mV.

Bottom-up Electrosynthesis of Highly Active Tungsten Sulfide (WS3-x) Films for Hydrogen Evolution

Transition metal dichalcogenides have been extensively studied as promising earth-abundant electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, despite the intention to achieve sustainable energy generation, conventional syntheses typically use environmentally damaging reagents and energy-demanding preparation conditions. Hence, we present electrochemical synthesis as a green and versatile alternative to traditional methods. In this fundamental study, we demonstrated the bottom-up synthesis of a mixed WS2/WS3 film-like material via cyclic voltammetry (CV). The film-like material can be directly electrosynthesized on any conductive substrates and renders the catalyst immobilization step redundant. Through stepwise analysis of deposition voltammograms facilitated by straightforward modification of CV conditions, and characterization using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), a two-step mechanism involving the initial WS3 deposition and subsequent partial reduction to WS2 was proposed. The WS2/WS3 material was determined to possess composition of WS2.64. Compared to non-electrosynthesized WSx materials, its predominantly basal orientation limited the heterogeneous electron transfer rate toward surface-sensitive redox couples. However, WS2.64 demonstrated excellent HER activity, with the lowest Tafel slope of 43.7 mV dec(-1) to date; this was attributed to different metal-chalcogen binding strengths within WS2.64. Fundamental understanding of the electrosynthesis process is crucial for green syntheses of inexpensive and highly electrocatalytically active materials for sustainable energy production. Albeit, the process may be different for a myriad of nanomaterials, this study can be exploited for its analyses from which the conclusions were made, to empower electrochemical synthesis as the prime fabrication approach for HER electrocatalyst development.

Carbon-coated MoS2 nanosheets as highly efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction

As a green and highly efficient energy resource, hydrogen (H2) has attracted much attention in recent years. Electrochemical water splitting is an economic process to generate H2. MoS2 is a promising candidate to replace traditional Pt-based electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under acidic conditions. But low electrical conductivity is one of bottlenecks for the large-scale application of MoS2. In this work, a carbon-coated MoS2 hybrid electrocatalyst was prepared with a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) approach to improve the electrical conductivity of MoS2. In addition to the surface-coating carbon, a small graphene-like layer could also be inserted into the interlayers of MoS2 during the CVD process which resulted in more active sites being exposed in MoS2. Enhanced electrical conductivity and more exposed active sites lead to excellent HER activity.

Thickness Dependence and Percolation Scaling of Hydrogen Production Rate in MoS2 Nanosheet and Nanosheet-Carbon Nanotube Composite Catalytic Electrodes

Here we demonstrate that the performance of catalytic electrodes, fabricated from liquid exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets, can be optimized by maximizing the electrode thickness coupled with the addition of carbon nanotubes. We find the current, and so the H2 generation rate, at a given potential to increase linearly with electrode thickness to up ∼5 μm after which saturation occurs. This linear increase is consistent with a simple model which allows a figure of merit to be extracted. The magnitude of this figure of merit implies that approximately two-thirds of the possible catalytically active edge sites in this MoS2 are inactive. We propose the saturation in current to be partly due to limitations associated with transporting charge through the resistive electrode to active sites. We resolve this by fabricating composite electrodes of MoS2 nanosheets mixed with carbon nanotubes. We find both the electrode conductivity and the catalytic current at a given potential to increase with nanotube content as described by percolation theory.

Ni-doped MoS2 nanoparticles as highly active hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts

The replacement of Pt with cheap metal electrocatalysts with high efficiency and superior stability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) remains a great challenge.

Novel hydrothermal synthesis of MoS2nanocluster structure for sensitive electrochemical detection of human and environmental hazardous pollutant 4-aminophenol

A trace level electrochemical detection platform for the determination of environmentally hazardous pollutant 4-aminophenol at MoS₂nanoclusters is reported.

Noble-Metal-Free Molybdenum Disulfide Cocatalyst for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Photocatalytic water splitting using powered semiconductors as photocatalysts represents a promising strategy for clean, low-cost, and environmentally friendly production of H2 utilizing solar energy. The loading of noble-metal cocatalysts on semiconductors can significantly enhance the solar-to-H2 conversion efficiency. However, the high cost and scarcity of noble metals counter their extensive utilization. Therefore, the use of alternative cocatalysts based on non-precious metal materials is pursued. Nanosized MoS2 cocatalysts have attracted considerable attention in the last decade as a viable alternative to improve solar-to-H2 conversion efficiency because of its superb catalytic activity, excellent stability, low cost, availability, environmental friendliness, and chemical inertness. In this perspective, the design, structures, synthesis, and application of MoS2 -based composite photocatalysts for solar H2 generation are summarized, compared, and discussed. Finally, this Review concludes with a summary and remarks on some challenges and opportunities for the future development of MoS2 -based photocatalysts.

Hierarchical Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide Nanosheets for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Hierarchical transition-metal dichalcogenide nanosheets are constructed through a versatile strategy, where the thermal polymerization of melamine and subsequent decomposition of carbon nitride successively guide the horizontal and vertical growths of transition-metal chalcogenides. Abundant edges and high surface areas endow the hierarchical MoS2 and WS2 nanosheets with excellent electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution, including low onset potentials and high current densities.

Effect of Doping on Hydrogen Evolution Reaction of Vanadium Disulfide Monolayer

As cheap and abundant materials, transitional metal dichalcogenide monolayers have attracted increasing interests for their application as catalysts in hydrogen production. In this work, the hydrogen evolution reduction of doped vanadium disulfide monolayers is investigated based on first-principles calculations. We find that the doping elements and concentration affect strongly the catalytic ability of the monolayer. We show that Ti-doping can efficiently reduce the Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption in a wide range of hydrogen coverage. The catalytic ability of the monolayer at high hydrogen coverage can be improved by low Ti-density doping, while that at low hydrogen coverage is enhanced by moderate Ti-density doping. We further show that it is much easier to substitute the Ti atom to the V atom in the vanadium disulfide (VS2) monolayer than other transitional metal atoms considered here due to its lowest and negative formation energy. It is expected that the Ti-doped VS2 monolayer may be applicable in water electrolysis with improved efficiency.

Microwave-Assisted Reactant-Protecting Strategy toward Efficient MoS2 Electrocatalysts in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

The exposure of rich active sites is crucial for MoS2 nanocatalysts in efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the active (010) and (100) planes tend to vanish during preparation because of their high surface energy. Employing the protection by thiourea (TU) reactant, a microwave-assisted reactant-protecting strategy is successfully introduced to fabricate active-site-rich MoS2 (AS-rich MoS2). The bifunctionality of TU, as both a reactant and a capping agent, ensures rich interactions for the effective protection and easy exposure of active sites in MoS2, avoiding the complicated control and fussy procedure related to additional surfactants and templates. The as-obtained AS-rich MoS2 presents the superior HER activity characterized by its high current density (j = 68 mA cm(-2) at -300 mV vs RHE), low Tafel slope (53.5 mV dec(-1)) and low onset overpotential (180 mV), which stems from the rich catalytic sites and the promoted conductivity. This work elucidates a feasible way toward high performance catalysts via interface engineering, shedding some light on the development of emerging nanocatalysts.

Probing Anisotropic Surface Properties of Molybdenite by Direct Force Measurements

Probing anisotropic surface properties of layer-type mineral is fundamentally important in understanding its surface charge and wettability for a variety of applications. In this study, the surface properties of the face and the edge surfaces of natural molybdenite (MoS2) were investigated by direct surface force measurements using atomic force microscope (AFM). The interaction forces between the AFM tip (Si3N4) and face or edge surface of molybdenite were measured in 10 mM NaCl solutions at various pHs. The force profiles were well-fitted with classical DLVO (Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek) theory to determine the surface potentials of the face and the edge surfaces of molybdenite. The surface potentials of both the face and edge surfaces become more negative with increasing pH. At neutral and alkaline conditions, the edge surface exhibits more negative surface potential than the face surface, which is possibly due to molybdate and hydromolybdate ions on the edge surface. The point of zero charge (PZC) of the edge surface was determined around pH 3 while PZC of the face surface was not observed in the range of pH 3-11. The interaction forces between octadecyltrichlorosilane-treated AFM tip (OTS-tip) and face or edge surface of molybdenite were also measured at various pHs to study the wettability of molybdenite surfaces. An attractive force between the OTS-tip and the face surface was detected. The force profiles were well-fitted by considering DLVO forces and additional hydrophobic force. Our results suggest the hydrophobic feature of the face surface of molybdenite. In contrast, no attractive force between the OTS-tip and the edge surface was detected. This is the first study in directly measuring surface charge and wettability of the pristine face and edge surfaces of molybdenite through surface force measurements.

Fullerene-Structured MoSe2 Hollow Spheres Anchored on Highly Nitrogen-Doped Graphene as a Conductive Catalyst for Photovoltaic Applications

A conductive catalyst composed of fullerene-structured MoSe2 hollow spheres and highly nitrogen-doped graphene (HNG-MoSe2) was successfully synthesized via a wet chemical process. The small molecule diethylenetriamine, which was used during the process, served as a surfactant to stabilize the fullerene-structured MoSe2 hollow spheres and to provide a high content of nitrogen heteroatoms for graphene doping (ca. 12% N). The superior synergistic effect between the highly nitrogen-doped graphene and the high surface-to-volume ratio MoSe2 hollow spheres afforded the HNG-MoSe2 composite high conductivity and excellent catalytic activity as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel measurements. A dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) prepared with HNG-MoSe2 as a counter electrode exhibited a conversion efficiency of 10.01%, which was close to that of a DSSC with a Pt counter electrode (10.55%). The synergy between the composite materials and the resulting highly efficient catalysis provide benchmarks for preparing well-defined, graphene-based conductive catalysts for clean and sustainable energy production.

Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on Edges of a Few Layer Molybdenum Disulfide Nanodots

The design and development of inexpensive highly efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen production underpins several emerging clean-energy technologies. In this work, for the first time, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanodots have been synthesized by ionic liquid assisted grinding exfoliation of bulk platelets and isolated by sequential centrifugation. The nanodots have a thickness of up to 7 layers (∼4 nm) and an average lateral size smaller than 20 nm. Detailed structural characterization established that the nanodots retained the crystalline quality and low oxidation states of the bulk material. The small lateral size and reduced number of layers provided these nanodots with an easier path for the electron transport and plentiful active sites for the catalysis of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic electrolyte. The MoS2 nanodots exhibited good durability and a Tafel slope of 61 mV dec(-1) with an estimated onset potential of -0.09 V vs RHE, which are considered among the best values achieved for 2H phase. It is envisaged that this work may provide a simplistic route to synthesize a wide range of 2D layered nanodots that have applications in water splitting and other energy related technologies.

Vertical ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets on a flexible substrate as an efficient counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Vertical MoS2 nanosheets with both large specific surface areas and sharp, active edges are strongly desirable due to their potential applications as catalysts, sensors and field emitters. Nevertheless, the growth of vertical MoS2 nanosheets is still a challenge and has rarely been reported. In this contribution, vertical ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets were grown on diverse substrates via a facile chemical vapor deposition method using CS2 as the sulfur precursor. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that CS2 has been applied as the sulfur source for the CVD growth of MoS2. In comparison with sulfur powder, the conventional sulfur source, CS2, can be imported in the growth chamber by a carrying gas, which provides considerable convenience for controlling growth parameters. Vertical MoS2 nanosheets presented a comparable catalytic activity to Pt on triiodide reduction and were used as efficient counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Sulfur poisoning of emergent and current electrocatalysts: vulnerability of MoS2, and direct correlation to Pt hydrogen evolution reaction kinetics

The recent surge in interest in the utilisation of transition metal dichalcogenides for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), as well as the long-standing problem of sulfur poisoning suffered by the established Pt HER electrocatalyst, motivated us to examine the impacts of sulfur poisoning on both emergent and current electrocatalysts. Through a comparative study between MoS2 and Pt/C on the effects of sulfur poisoning, we demonstrate that MoS2 is not invulnerable to poisoning. Additionally, using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, correlations have also been established between the atomic percentages of Pt-S bonds and normalised HER parameters e.g. Tafel slope and potential at -10 mA cm(-2). These findings are of high importance for potential hydrogen evolution catalysis.

Monolayer-precision synthesis of molybdenum sulfide nanoparticles and their nanoscale size effects in the hydrogen evolution reaction

Metal sulfide-based nanostructured materials have emerged as promising catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and significant progress has been achieved in enhancing their activity and durability for the HER. The understanding of nanoscale size-dependent catalytic activities can suggest critical information regarding catalytic reactivity, providing the scientific basis for the design of advanced catalysts. However, nanoscale size effects in metal sulfide-based HER catalysts have not yet been established fully, due to the synthetic difficulty in precisely size-controlled metal sulfide nanoparticles. Here we report the preparation of molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) nanoparticles with monolayer precision from one to four layers with the nearly constant basal plane size of 5 nm, and their size-dependent catalytic activity in the HER. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we identified the most favorable single-, double-, and triple-layer MoS2 model structures for the HER, and calculated elementary step energetics of the HER over these three model structures. Combining HER activity measurements and the DFT calculation results, we establish that the turnover frequency of MoS2 nanoparticles in the HER increases in a quasi-linear manner with decreased layer numbers. Cobalt-promoted MoS2 nanoparticles also exhibited similar HER activity trend. We attribute the higher HER activity of smaller metal sulfide nanoparticles to the higher degree of oxidation, higher Mo-S coordination number, formation of the 1T phase, and lower activation energy required to overcome transition state. This insight into the nanoscale size-dependent HER activity trend will facilitate the design of advanced HER catalysts as well as other hydrotreating catalysts.

Electrochemical synthesis of luminescent MoS2 quantum dots

Quantum dots of single-/few-layered MoS₂ with tunable sizes, obtained through a unique electrochemical exfoliation process, show excellent electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution reactions.

A first-principles study on the hydrogen evolution reaction of VS2 nanoribbons

Nanostructures have attracted increasing interest for applications in electrolysis of water as electrocatalysts.

Noble metal-free hydrogen evolution catalysts for water splitting

This review summarizes the recent research efforts toward noble metal-free hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts.

Monolayer MoS2 quantum dots as catalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution

A multi-exfoliation route was used to prepare monolayer MoS₂ quantum dots with improved electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution.