(0D/3D) MoS2 on porous graphene as catalysts for enhanced electrochemical hydrogen evolution

Abstract

© 2017 Elsevier Ltd A new composite material consisting of 0D MoS 2 nanodots and 3D MoS 2 nano-flowers grown on porous reduced graphene oxide (P-rGO) was synthesized via a two-step process. The P-rGO with a surface area of 759 m 2 g -1 was obtained by CO 2 activation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) at 800 °C. MoS 2 was then grown on the P-rGO under hydrothermal conditions. Compared to the nonactivated rGO, P-rGO has functional pores for deposition of MoS 2 nanodots and less charge transfer resistance, which can provide more active sites for hydrogen generation, thus leading to the improved activity of (0D/3D) MoS 2 /P-rGO in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The overpotential of (0D/3D) MoS 2 /P-rGO was only ~150 mV vs. RHE, and the corresponding Tafel slope was ~56 mV Dec -1 , which is comparable to most of the present MoS 2 /Graphene HER catalysts. The (0D/3D) MoS 2 /P-rGO exhibits as an efficient noble metal free HER catalyst, and has great potential for the electrochemical hydro gen production.