Layered MoS2 nanoparticles on TiO2 nanotubes by a photocatalytic strategy for use as high-performance electrocatalysts in hydrogen evolution reactions

Abstract

An environmentally-friendly photocatalytic strategy carried out at room temperature and atmospheric pressure without using toxic precursors was used to develop high-performance MoS₂ nanoparticulate electrodes consisting of layered MoS₂ nanoparticles on anodized TiO₂ nanotubes (TiO₂-NTs). TiO₂-NTs were used as a substrate for MoS₂ growth because of their strong photocatalytic activity and large surface area. Photocatalysis of the TiO₂-NTs was used to reduce the (NH₄)₂MoS₄ precursor into MoS₂ nanoparticles. By elaborately designing the microstructure of the TiO₂-NTs, MoS₂ nanoparticles on TiO₂-NTs can demonstrate a high electrocatalytic activity in hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) with an onset overpotential of −0.14 V (vs. SHE) and a Tafel slope of ∼52 mV dec⁻¹. This indicates that our photocatalytic strategy is highly efficient for preparing high-activity MoS₂ nanoparticulate electrodes.