Engineering heterostructured Mo2C/MoS2 catalyst with hydrophilicity/aerophobicity via carbothermal shock for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution

Abstract

The exploration of high-performance hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts is conducive to the development of clean hydrogen energy, yet still remains a challenge. Herein, we rapidly synthesize the Mo₂C/MoS₂ heterostructure on carbon paper (Mo₂C/MoS₂–CP) via carbothermal shock in only two seconds. The construction of the Mo₂C/MoS₂ heterostructure regulates the electronic structure of the Mo site and facilitates charge transfer during the HER process. Moreover, the catalyst exhibits enhanced hydrophilicity and aerophobicity, facilitating optimal electrolyte–catalyst interaction and efficient hydrogen bubble detachment for accelerated mass transfer. Consequently, Mo₂C/MoS₂–CP exhibits superior intrinsic alkaline HER activity, and excellent stability for 100 h. This finding provides a novel insight into the development of outstanding HER catalysts.