First-principles study of sulfur vacancy concentration effect on the electronic structures and hydrogen evolution reaction of MoS2

Electron Release via Internal Polarization Fields for Optimal S-H Bonding States

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have received considerable attention as promising electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), yet their potential is often constrained by the inertness of the basal planes arising from their poor hydrogen adsorption ability. Here, the relationship between the electronic structure of the WS2 basal plane and HER activity is systemically analyzed to establish a clear insight. The valance state of the sulfur atoms on the basal plane has been tuned to enhance hydrogen adsorption through sequential engineering processes, including direct phase transition and heterostructure that induces work function-difference-induced unidirectional electron transfer. Additionally, an innovative synthetic approach, harnessing the built-in internal polarization field at the W-graphene heterointerface, triggers the in-situ formation of sulfur vacancies in the bottom WSx (x < 2) layers. The resultant modulation of the valance state of the sulfur atom stabilizes the W-S bond, while destabilizing the S-H bond. The electronic structural changes are further amplified by the release and transfer of surplus electrons via sulfur vacancies, filling the valance state of W and S atoms. Consequently, this work provides a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between the electronic structure of the WS2 basal plane and the HER activity, focusing on optimizing S-H bonding state.

Spatially confined synthesis of large-sized MoS2nanosheets in molten KSCN toward efficient hydrogen evolution

Low-temperature KSCN molten salt is a promising technique to synthesize defect-rich MoS2catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, owing to the fast ion diffusion rate for rapid crystal growth, the resultant catalysts show a morphology of microsphere, which aggregates from MoS2nanosheets, to suppress the catalytic performance. In this work, large-sized few-layer MoS2nanosheets are synthesized via a spatial confinement strategy by adding inert NaCl into the KSCN molten salt. With the NaCl spacer to physically block the long-distance ion diffusion and isolate the chemical reaction, the MoS2nucleation and subsequent crystal growth could be controlled, guiding the nanosheets to grow along the narrow gap between the NaCl crystals to avoid aggregation. As a result, ultrathin MoS2nanosheets with a large geometry size are constructed. Profiting from the architecture to expose active sites and boost charge transfer kinetics, the large-sized few-layer MoS2nanosheets exhibit an impressive HER performance, showing a smallη10of 160 mV and a low Tafel slope of 53 mV dec-1with excellent stability. This work provides not only an efficient HER catalyst but also a facile spatial confinement technique to design and synthesize a large spectrum of transition metal sulfides for broad uses.

Metal Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Production in Water Splitting

The rising demand for fossil fuels and the resulting pollution have raised environmental concerns about energy production. Undoubtedly, hydrogen is the best candidate for producing clean and sustainable energy now and in the future. Water splitting is a promising and efficient process for hydrogen production, where catalysts play a key role in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). HER electrocatalysis can be well performed by Pt with a low overpotential close to zero and a Tafel slope of about 30 mV dec-1. However, the main challenge in expanding the hydrogen production process is using efficient and inexpensive catalysts. Due to electrocatalytic activity and electrochemical stability, transition metal compounds are the best options for HER electrocatalysts. This study will focus on analyzing the current situation and recent advances in the design and development of nanostructured electrocatalysts for noble and non-noble metals in HER electrocatalysis. In general, strategies including doping, crystallization control, structural engineering, carbon nanomaterials, and increasing active sites by changing morphology are helpful to improve HER performance. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives in designing functional and stable electrocatalysts for HER in efficient hydrogen production from water-splitting electrolysis will be described.

Hydroxyl-Decorated Pt as a Robust Water-Resistant Catalyst for Catalytic Benzene Oxidation

In catalytic oxidation reactions, the presence of environmental water poses challenges to the performance of Pt catalysts. This study aims to overcome this challenge by introducing hydroxyl groups onto the surface of Pt catalysts using the pyrolysis reduction method. Two silica supports were employed to investigate the impact of hydroxyl groups: SiO2-OH with hydroxyl groups and SiO2-C without hydroxyl groups. Structural characterization confirmed the presence of Pt-Ox, Pt-OHx, and Pt0 species in the Pt/SiO2-OH catalysts, while only Pt-Ox and Pt0 species were observed in the Pt/SiO2-C catalysts. Catalytic performance tests demonstrated the remarkable capacity of the 0.5 wt % Pt/SiO2-OH catalyst, achieving complete conversion of benzene at 160 °C under a high space velocity of 60,000 h-1. Notably, the catalytic oxidation capacity of the Pt/SiO2-OH catalyst remained largely unaffected even in the presence of 10 vol % water vapor. Moreover, the catalyst exhibited exceptional recyclability and stability, maintaining its performance over 16 repeated cycles and a continuous operation time of 70 h. Theoretical calculations revealed that the construction of Pt-OHx sites on the catalyst surface was beneficial for modulating the d-band structure, which in turn enhanced the adsorption and activation of reactants. This finding highlights the efficacy of decorating the Pt surface with hydroxyl groups as an effective strategy for improving the water resistance, catalytic activity, and long-term stability of Pt catalysts.

Observation of H2 Evolution and Electrolyte Diffusion on MoS2 Monolayer by In Situ Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy

Unit-cell-thick MoS₂ is a promising electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) owing to its tunable catalytic activity, which is determined based on the energetics and molecular interactions of different types of HER active sites. Kinetic responses of MoS₂ active sites, including the reaction onset, diffusion of the electrolyte and H₂ bubbles, and continuation of these processes, are important factors affecting the catalytic activity of MoS₂ . Investigating these factors requires a direct real-time analysis of the HER occurring on spatially independent active sites. Herein, the H₂ evolution and electrolyte diffusion on the surface of MoS₂ are observed in real time by in situ electrochemical liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy (LPTEM). Time-dependent LPTEM observations reveal that different types of active sites are sequentially activated under the same conditions. Furthermore, the electrolyte flow to these sites is influenced by the reduction potential and site geometry, which affects the bubble detachment and overall HER activity of MoS₂ .

Boosting Highly Active Exposed Mo Atoms by Fine-Tuning S-Vacancies of MoS2-Based Materials for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution

Guided by the theoretical calculation, achieving an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by S-vacancy engineering toward MoS₂-based materials is quite challenging due to the contradictory relationship between the adsorption free energy of hydrogen atoms (ΔG_H) of the exposed Mo atoms (EMAs) and the number of EMAs per unit area (N_EMAs). Herein, we demonstrate a novel one-pot incorporating-assisted compositing strategy to realize fine-tuning the concentration of S-vacancies (C_S-vacancies) of MoS₂-based materials to boost highly active EMAs for efficient HER. In our strategy, S-vacancies are modulated into basal planes of MoS₂ via decreasing the formation energy of S-vacancies by oxygen incorporation; moreover, C_S-vacancies of the basal planes is precisely regulated by simply controlling the molar amount of the Co precursor based on the electron injection effect. At low or excessively high C_S-vacancies, the as-synthesized electrocatalysts lack "highly active EMAs" in quantity or nature. The balance between the intrinsic activity of EMAs and N_EMAs is realized for boosting EMAs with high catalytic performance. The optimal electrocatalysts exhibit excellent activity and stability at fine-tuning C_S-vacancies to 9.61%. Our results will pave a novel strategy for unlocking the potential of an inert basal plane in MoS₂ for high-performance HER.

Synergistic Regulation of S-Vacancy of MoS2-Based Materials for Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Low or excessively high concentration of S-vacancy (C_S-vacancy) is disadvantageous for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of MoS₂-based materials. Additionally, alkaline water electrolysis is most likely to be utilized in the industry. Consequently, it is of great importance for fine-tuning C_S-vacancy to significantly improve alkaline hydrogen evolution. Herein, we have developed a one-step Ru doping coupled to compositing with CoS₂ strategy to precisely regulate C_S-vacancy of MoS₂-based materials for highly efficient HER. In our strategy, Ru doping favors the heterogeneous nucleation and growth of CoS₂, which leads to a high crystallinity of Ru-doped CoS₂ (Ru-CoS₂) and rich heterogeneous interfaces between Ru-CoS₂ and Ru-doped MoS_2-x (Ru-MoS_2-x). This facilitates the electron transfer from Ru-CoS₂ to Ru-MoS_2-x, thereby increasing C_S-vacancy of MoS₂-based materials. Additionally, the electron injection effect increases gradually with an increase in the mass of Co precursor (m_Co), which implies more S^2- leaching from MoS₂ at higher m_Co. Subsequently, C_S-vacancy of the as-synthesized samples is precisely regulated by the synergistic engineering of Ru doping and compositing with CoS₂. At C_S-vacancy = 17.1%, a balance between the intrinsic activity and the number of exposed Mo atoms (EMAs) to boost highly active EMAs should be realized. Therefore, the typical samples demonstrate excellent alkaline HER activity, such as a low overpotential of 170 mV at 100 mA cm⁻² and a TOF of 4.29 s⁻¹ at -0.2 V. Our results show promise for important applications in the fields of electrocatalysis or energy conversion.

Strategies to improve electrocatalytic performance of MoS2-based catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) are a key process for hydrogen production for clean energy applications. HERs have unique advantages in terms of energy efficiency and product separation compared to other methods. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has attracted extensive attention as a potential HER catalyst because of its high electrocatalytic activity. However, the HER performance of MoS2 needs to be improved to make it competitive with conventional Pt-based catalysts. Herein, we summarize three typical strategies for promoting the HER performance, i.e., defect engineering, heterostructure formation, and heteroatom doping. We also summarize the computational density functional theory (DFT) methods used to obtain insight that can guide the construction of MoS2-based materials. Additionally, the challenges and prospects of MoS2-based catalysts for the HER have also been discussed.

Understanding the air stability of defective MoS2and the oxidation effect on the surface HER activity

The defective single layer MoS₂(SL-MoS₂) with high defect concentrations has shown promising electrocatalytic potential, but it is also highly reactive with gas molecules. The study of electro-chemical activity on gas doped defective SL-MoS₂is of importance yet still scarcely discussed. Herein, we performed density functional theory calculations to study the adsorption and chemical activity of four major air molecules on the defective SL-MoS₂under different defect concentrations, and evaluated the influence on the hydrogen evolution reaction activity. The N₂and CO₂molecules are in physisorption states, H₂O molecule is in molecular chemisorption state, while O₂can be strongly captured and dissociated into atomic O^*, which repair the S-vacancy and form O-doped structure. Further study showed that compared to the inert S surface of pure MoS₂, the O incorporation greatly enhance the surface reactivity. Using H adsorption as the test probe, the adsorption of H becomes stronger with the increasing oxygen concentration. We further unravel the electronic origins underlying the catalytic activity. The lowest unoccupied electronic states are shown to correlate linearly with the activity, and thus can be used as an electronic descriptor to characterize the electrocatalytic activity.

The interaction between vacancy defects in gallium sulfide monolayer and a new vacancy defect model

Vacancy defects are inevitable when synthesizing two-dimensional (2D) materials, and vacancy defects greatly affect the physical properties, such as magnetism and electronic properties. Currently, sufficient information is not available on whether and how the interaction of vacancy defects affects material properties and how to control these defects and their associated interaction for the development of new materials. In this study, the interaction between two adjacent vacancy defects of the gallium sulfide (GaS) monolayer is investigated using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). The results indicate that the localized size of a Ga vacancy defect is the area within the S atoms second nearest to the neighboring vacancy defect. When the localized sizes of Ga vacancy defects intersect, a non-negligible interaction exists between the Ga vacancy defects. The interaction generally has been ignored by the traditional defect concentrations model but would affect the magnetic and electronic properties of the defective GaS monolayer. A vacancy defect cluster model (VDCM) is developed based on the system clustering method and then used to evaluate the interactions between vacancy defects. In order to check the reliability of the model, this research studies a defective MoS2 monolayer as an example and compares the band gap and density of states (DOS) calculated by using different vacancy defect models, including VDCM. The results indicate that VDCM has good accuracy relative to the traditional vacancy concentration model. This means that with the help of VDCM the properties of the defective system could be calculated more accurately considering some extent of nonuniform distribution of defects based on DFT.