Synthesis of MoS2(1−x)Se2x and WS2(1−x)Se2x alloys for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction performance

Abstract

Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of molybdenum disulphoselenide (MoS_2(1−x)Se_2x) and tungsten disulphoselenide (WS_2(1−x)Se_2x) alloys onto FTO substrates, to obtain a higher hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity compared to pristine MoS₂ and WS₂. By incorporating selenium (Se) into MoS₂ and WS₂ matrices, an excellent HER catalytic activity was ensured in an acidic electrolyte with overpotentials of 141 mV and 167 mV @ 10 mA cm⁻² with Tafel slopes of 67 and 107 mV per decade for MoS_2(1−x)Se_2x and WS_2(1−x)Se_2x, respectively. Moreover, MoS_2(1−x)Se_2x and WS_2(1−x)Se_2x alloys showed robust durability over 20 h of continuous HER operation in acidic solutions. Our investigation provides the synthesis of tunable metal dichalcogenide hybrid structures with better electrochemical performance.