Synthesis, characterisation, electrocatalytic HER activity, and electrical resistivity of 3R-NbS2 nanosheets

Abstract

Nanosheets of 3R-NbS₂ have been synthesized from a Nb–HDA complex in the presence of H₂S gas via a solid-state reaction without the use of any substrate or a catalyst. The morphology, structure and chemical composition of the synthesized 3R-NbS₂ nanosheets have been characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). 3R-NbS₂ nanosheets have been tested for their electrocatalytic activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction. The temperature-dependent electrical resistivity measurement has also been carried out.