A synergistic heterogeneous interface of a NC-Co-MoS2/CC-450 electrocatalyst for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Rational construction of low-cost, high-activity electrocatalysts is essential for hydrogen production from electrolytic water. Herein, a Co_0.75Mo₃S_3.75/MoS₂ heterogeneous interfacial structure and nitrogen and carbon co-doped on a carbon cloth hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst (NC-Co-MoS₂/CC-450) was synthesized by a simple drop coating and pyrolysis method. NC-Co-MoS₂/CC-450 exhibits excellent hydrogen evolution performance, achieving a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² at only 56 mV, while exhibiting a Faraday efficiency of 99.85% and good stability. Moreover, at high current densities (100 mA cm⁻² and 200 mA cm⁻²), only 155 mV and 220 mV overpotentials are required, respectively, with a small Tafel slope (69.2 mV dec⁻¹). This is due to the intrinsic nitrogen and carbon doped multiphase composite Co_0.75Mo₃S_3.75/MoS₂ heterogeneous interface synergistic crystalline-amorphous material system, which generates a large number of lattice defects and exposes a richer active area, accelerating the efficiency of hydrogen evolution and hydrogen desorption. The hydrogen evolution performance of NC-Co-MoS₂/CC-450 prepared by the rational design is significantly better than that of many previously reported molybdenum-based catalysts, and this work suggests a further way to continue the development of low-cost and efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts.