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.