Synthesis of dense MoS2 nanosheet layers on hollow carbon spheres and their applications in supercapacitors and the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

© the Partner Organisations. Herein, we report the synthesis of hybrid nanostructures obtained by densely growing MoS2 nanosheet layers on hydrophobic hollow carbon spheres (abbreviated as MoS2-HCS) through a solvothermal method. The morphologies and compositions of the MoS2-HCS hybrid are well investigated. The electrochemical performance of the MoS2-HCS sphere is investigated in both supercapacitors and the hydrogen evolution reaction. The MoS2-HCS exhibits a larger specific capacitance of 334 F g-1 than the bare MoS2 of 204 F g-1 at 1 A g-1, an improved rate capability of 86% from 1 to 20 A g-1 and a stable cycling performance of 87% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles when assembled in a supercapacitor. In addition, MoS2-HCS also show enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic media.