Hydrogen evolution catalyzed by MoS3 and MoS2 particles

Abstract

Amorphous MoS₃ particles are prepared using a simple chemical method. Several deposition techniques are developed to fabricate electrodes loaded with MoS₃ particles. These electrodes are highly active for hydrogen evolution. The catalytically active species appear to be reduced molybdenum sulfide that contains disulfide ligands. The MoS₃ particles are annealed to form polycrystalline and single crystalline MoS₃ and MoS₂ particles. These particles, as well as commercial MoS₂ micro-crystals, show inferior catalytic activity compared to the amorphous MoS₃ particles.