MoS2 Nanosheets Supported on Hollow Carbon Spheres as Efficient Catalysts for Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

Hybridizing structured carbon materials with MoS₂ has been demonstrated to be an effective method to increase the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity and durability of MoS₂. In this study, we report the growth of MoS₂ nanosheets on the surface of uniform hollow carbon spheres (HCS) to form a hydrangea-like nanocomposite. The HCS were formed through carbonization of a phenol formaldehyde template, and the MoS₂ nanosheets were grown on the HCS surfaces through a hydrothermal method. The nanocomposites have the advantages of significantly improved electrical conductivity, ease of varying the MoS₂ loading, and minimizing stacking of MoS₂ nanosheets, which are manifested by their remarkably improved HER performance. The well-tuned carbon–MoS₂ composite shows a Tafel slope of 48.9 mV dec^–1, an onset potential of −0.079 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode), and an overpotential of 126 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm^–2 after 1000 potential cycles.