Optimizing hydrogen adsorption via Mo-doped Ni3S2 nanoparticles anchored on Ni–N–C framework as an efficent electrocatalyst for all-pH hydrogen evolution

Electrolytic water splitting using transition metal sulfide catalysts has garnered a lot of attention lately. Herein, a composite material consisting of Mo-doped Ni 3 S 2 nanoparticles supported on N-doped carbon layers with anchored Ni single atoms (Mo–Ni 3 S 2 /Ni–N–C) was synthesized using a two-step hydrothermal process. These features enable Mo–Ni 3 S 2 /Ni–N–C to achieve low overpotentials of 71, 58, and 89 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at 10 mA cm −2 in 1 M KOH, 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 , and 1 M PBS, respectively. After 20 h of durability testing, its current density retains over 95 % of the initial value across diverse pH electrolytes. Mo doping enhances structural stability, enabling wide pH applicability. Electron transfer from Ni 3 S 2 nanoparticles to Ni single atoms accelerates kinetics and boosts intrinsic activity, which improves HER performance. Theoretical calculations confirm that Ni single atoms possess ideal H∗ adsorption energy, which optimizes H∗ adsorption capability of Ni 3 S 2 . This work offers suggestions for creating excellent low-cost electrolytic water catalysts.