Activating MoS2 by interface engineering for efficient hydrogen evolution catalysis

Abstract Transition metal sulfides have been widely investigated and used as efficient catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). However, the trade-off between catalytic activity and long-term stability represents a formidable challenge and has not been extensively addressed. Herein, we proposed a facile strategy for the design of Au-MoS2 nanoparticles with abundant edge sites and regular core-shell structure through the interface engineering. The electrospun carbon nanofibers (CNFs) served as reactors and supports to control the preparation of core-shell heterostructures. Core-shell heterostructure exhibits more excellent catalytic than single component resulting from the synergistic effects at nano-interface. The obtained Au-MoS2/CNFs catalyst yield a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at the overpotential of 92 mV and a Tafel slope of 126 mV dec−1. Particularly, the durability of catalyst is relatively stable at the 50 h. The successful synthesis of core-shell nanocrystals provides a new path for designing advanced electrocatalysts.