Co-doped MoS2 nanosheet: a stable and pH-universal electrocatalyst for an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

Generally, the hydrogen generation of non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts is limited by the high overpotential and acid–base environment of electrolyte. Therefore, it is essential to develop hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts with high activity and a broad pH range. In this work, we report several Co-doped MoS₂ nanosheet structures prepared by a simple hydrothermal approach. Co doping induces the interlayer expansion of MoS₂ nanosheets. It not only increases the transfer pathways of electrolyte ions but also provides many active sites. Thereinto, Co_0.4-MoS₂ nanosheets show outstanding HER activity in a wide pH range. This facile synthesis strategy can be used to prepare other transition metal chalcogenide electrocatalysts.