Non-stoichiometric Mo6S9.5 films grown on graphene-like N-doped carbon films with high activity for hydrogen evolution reaction.

Development of effective non-noble electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for hydrogen production by water electrolysis. Herein, several composite catalysts of non-stoichiometric Mo 6 S 9.5 films grown on graphene-like N-doped carbon films were prepared and evaluated for HER in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4. The unique structure endowed the catalysts with highly exposed edge active sites, high specific surface area and prominently high activities for HER. The optimized catalyst exhibited a low overpotential of 113 mV at 10 mA/cm2, a low Tafel slope of 64 mV/dec, and a low charge transfer resistance of 40 Ω along with a highly catalytic stability. [Display omitted] • New Mo 6 S 9.5 ultrathin films based catalysts have been fabricated for HER. • Mo 6 S 9.5 ultrathin films were grown on graphene-like N-doped carbon films. • The unique structure can provide plenty of exposed edge active sites. • The carbon films can improve the conductivity of the catalysts. • The catalysts exhibited prominent activities and high stabilities for HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]