Synergistic effect of cocatalytic NiSe2 on stable 1T-MoS2 for hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Robust and economical catalysts are imperative to realize the versatile applications of hydrogen. Herein, a 1T-MoS₂/N-doped NiSe₂ composite was rationally synthesized via a solvothermal method, in which the MoS₂ nanosheets have a stable 1T phase structure, and the NiSe₂ nanoparticles serve as a cocatalytic support for MoS₂. The nonnegligible electronic couplings between NiSe₂ and MoS₂ could facilitate the optimization of their electronic structure and then improve the hydrogen adsorption. What is more, the nitrogen dopants in the NiSe₂ nanoparticles could intensify the intercalation of ammonium ions in the 1T-MoS₂ nanosheets, and further enlarge their interlayer spacing, thus the electrolyte could infiltrate into the catalyst more easily and sufficiently. This work provides a new route for rationally designing highly active and low cost hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts, and enriches the study of transition metal chalcogenides toward HER.