Cracked eight-awn star TaS2 with fractal structures used as an efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction†
Abstract
A new eight-awn star TaS2 with a specially designed fractal and cracked structure was prepared for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The cracked eight-awn star TaS2 nanomaterials show outstanding electrocatalytic performance toward the HER under acidic conditions. First-principles calculations suggest that both basal planes and edges of TaS2 are active toward the HER. Benefiting from large exposed edge sites, the prepared TaS2 nanomaterials exhibit an excellent electrocatalytic performance with a small onset overpotential of 102 mV and a low Tafel slope of 66 mV dec−1 as well as excellent long-term electrocatalytic stability. The present work provides a potential route to design new HER electrocatalysts with specially designed fractal and cracked structures. The cracked eight-awn star fractal TaS2 can be one of the most promising electrocatalysts for hydrogen production.