Facile synthesis of MoS2 nanosheets-deposited TiO2 nanotubes array electrode for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

MoS2 nanosheets were fabricated by ultrasonication of bulk MoS2 and TiO2 nanotubes array (TNA) was formed on Ti foil via anodization method. Using facile and binder-free electrophoretic technique, MoS2 nanosheets were deposited on the TNA as high surface area and well-ordered support to fabricate the MS/TNA electrode. In electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the MS/TNA indicated a low onset potential and overpotential of 85 mV at current density of -10 mA/cm(2) with Tafel slope of 39 mV/dec. Furthermore, after 1000 cycles, the MS/TNA displays high stability in HER. Our results demonstrated that the MoS2 nanosheets on the TNA provide more active sites while the ordered tubular TNA support creates straight pathways for electron transport toward MoS2 nanosheets with improved interaction of the electrolyte and electrode in HER. This work introduces the MS/TNA as an efficient and cost-effective electrode for electrocatalytic production of hydrogen.