Efficient Electrocatalytic Performance of WP Nanorods Propagated on WS2/C for Hydrogen Evolution Reduction

Graphical One for both : A composite catalyst consisting of WP nanorods, WS 2 , and carbon is presented here. It demonstrates hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity and long-term chronopotentiometric stability as well as suitability in both acid electrolyte and alkaline electrolyte. Thorough characterization is performed to uncover the reasons behind uncover the enhanced HER. Through a stepwise synthesis, intercalation followed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, WP nanorods have been grown on the surface of WS 2 /C composite. Compared to WS 2 /C, WP nanorods@WS 2 /C demonstrate better hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity and long-term chronopotentiometric stability as well as suitability in both acid electrolyte and alkaline electrolyte. In order to uncover the enhanced HER property reason, systematic characterizations were applied to assist analyzing. The characterizations used include X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), electrochemical active surface area (ECSA), Raman, and BET. Based on the analysis, it points that improved ECSA, synergy between WS 2 and WP nanorods, and enhanced degree of graphitization as well, leads to better HER activities of WP nanorods@WS 2 /C over WS 2 /C. This work highlights significant role of WP nanorods in WP/WS 2 /C three-phase composite in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution and may evoke new interest in related nanostructure study.