Few-layer tiny nanoflakes of molybdenum sulfide loaded on porous carbon as an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen generation

A promising non-precious metal electrocatalyst having efficient activity in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a crucial for environmentally benign energy production. Molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) is expected to be a promising alternative to noble-metal-based electrocatalysts, but its catalytic performance is inherently limited by sparse catalytic edge sites and poor electrical conductivity. Herein, we propose a convenient and scalable approach to construct few-layer tiny MoS2 nanoflakes anchored on porous carbon (MoS2@C), consisting of ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) followed by sulfurization. The MoS2@C exhibits superior HER performance with a low overpotential of 133 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm(-2), and a small Tafel slope of 66 mV dec(-1). The activity is ascribed to abundant defects in few layer tiny MoS2 nanoflakes, as well as enhanced electron transport from porous carbon support to active sites. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.