Mace-like hierarchical MoS2/NiCo2S4 composites supported by carbon fiber paper: An efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction

The rational design and preparation of earth-abundant, stable and efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen production is currently the subject in extensive scientific and technological researches toward the future of a clean-energy society. Herein, a mace-like MoS 2 /NiCo 2 S 4 hierarchical structure is designed and synthesized on carbon fiber paper via a facile hydrothermal method , and evaluated as electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction . In the MoS 2 /NiCo 2 S 4 /carbon fiber paper hierarchical structures, MoS 2 nanosheets are dispersively distributed on the surface of NiCo 2 S 4 nanowires, which provides an enlarged surface area , abundant interfaces and catalytic active sites. As for hydrogen evolution reaction , such MoS 2 /NiCo 2 S 4 /carbon fiber paper heterostructures give rise to a hydrogen evolution reaction catalytic current density of 10 mA cm −2 with a lower overpotential of 139 mV and a smaller Tafel slope of 37 mV·dec −1 than those of MoS 2 /carbon fiber paper and NiCo 2 S 4 /carbon fiber paper counterparts, exhibiting a prominent electrocatalytic performance. Moreover, the electrocatalytic properties change little after 5000 CV cycles and continual electrolysis for 12 h without obvious decay, respectively, demonstrating high durability and stability. The excellent hydrogen evolution reaction performances endow the hierarchical configuration MoS 2 /NiCo 2 S 4 /carbon fiber paper with promising alternative in HER and other related renewable energy fields.