Electrospun Hybrid MoS2 Nanofibers for High-Efficiency Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Hybrid molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanofibers containing multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and cobalt (Co) atoms were synthesized via electrospinning method followed by post- sulfurization to be used as an electrocatalyst of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). During the sulfurization reaction, the electrospun nanofibers formed well-anchored MoS2 nanograins on the surface by phase transformation and improved HER activity up to an onset potential of -191 mV vs RHE (the overpotential of -295 mV at 10 mA cm(-2)) and a Tafel slope of 42 mV dec(-1). MWCNTs and Co atoms incorporated into the nanofibers acted as a conductive material for accelerating electron transfer and as a dopant for enhancing intrinsic activity, respectively, which together led to the high-efficiency HER electrocatalytic performance. The catalytic HER performance of MoS2 nanofibers was also investigated and compared in the presence and absence of MWCNT or Co. (C) 2020 The Electrochemical Society ("ECS"). Published on behalf of ECS by IOP Publishing Limited.