Constructing a Functionalized Electrocatalyst of a Transition Metal Chalcogenide on Accordion-Like MXene to Boost the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

MXenes exhibit unique layered structures and excellent electrical conductivity, and their multiple surface termination groups are favorable for hosting impressive performance for electrochemical reactions. Therefore, a two-dimensional (2D) layered MXene-based catalyst may become a novel high-efficiency electrocatalyst to replace traditional noble metal electrocatalysts. In this work, a transition metal chalcogenide (MoS₂/CuS) and MXene are combined to prepare a 2D electrocatalyst (MoS₂/CuS/MXene) for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). MXene exhibited a large specific surface area in the shape of an accordion, which was very beneficial for the growth of nanomaterials. CuS/MXene promoted electron transfer and improved the exposed active site for HER. The exposed MoS₂ edges exhibited a high chemical adsorption capacity, which is conducive to HER. Electrochemical tests reveal that the MoS₂/CuS/MXene electrocatalyst can reduce the charge transfer resistance toward the HER and increase active sites for HER, leading to enhancing the catalytic performance. The MoS₂/CuS/MXene electrocatalyst affords an efficient HER with a low overpotential (115 mV@10 mA cm^-2). This work offers a new idea to create layered transition metal chalcogenide- and MXene-based electrocatalysts for HER.