Assembled 3D electrocatalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution: WSe2 layers anchored on graphene sheets

Abstract

A new 3D composite electrocatalytic material is produced by growing WSe₂ thin layers vertically on 2D reduced graphene oxide nanosheets. The material has improved electrode/electrolyte interactions and efficient catalytic properties due to the rich defects, a 3D hybrid configuration, and the direct integration of WSe₂ onto the graphene sheets, which can significantly prevent the aggregation of WSe₂ and promote the conductivity of the material. As demonstrated, the as-harvested WSe₂/graphene hybrid exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), such as a low onset overpotential of −100 mV, a small Tafel slope of 64 mV per decade and outstanding stability.