Construction of MoO2@MoS2 heterostructures in situ on carbon cloth for the hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

MoS₂ as one graphene-like 2D layered transition metal sulfide has attracted great attention. However, its application for the HER is still restricted by the poor electrical conductivity and structural restacking. In this work, we developed a facile method to prepare MoO₂@MoS₂ heterostructures in situ by partial conversion of MoO_x into MoS₂ on carbon cloth. Based on the two-time hydrothermal process, the MoS₂ nanosheets can be dispersed and grow on carbon cloth. Excellent electrochemical HER activity of MoO₂@MoS₂/CC-2 can be achieved with a low overpotential of 115 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² (η₁₀) in 0.5 M H₂SO₄. Furthermore, it still shows durable electrocatalytic stability for 13 h. The outstanding electrocatalytic activity may be ascribed to the synergistic effect between the MoO₂ and MoS₂ heterostructures.