Interfacial engineering of ZnS–ZnO decorated MoS2 supported on 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2) contains inactive basal and edge planes, which hinders its effectiveness in facilitating environmentally clean Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) in electrocatalytic water splitting. Herein, we report a single-step synthesis strategy for developing ZnS–ZnO–MoS 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene (ZZM/MX) nanostructures through a hydrothermal approach. The SEM micrographs clearly demonstrate edge plane modification in MoS 2 , making them sharper and more exposed outward. XRD analysis exhibited the formation of ZnS and ZnO phases over MoS2 surface which was further supported by XPS analysis. The molar percentage of Zn precursor was increased from 1 % to 6 % and the resultant samples were designated as ZZM/MX-1, ZZM/MX-2, ZZM/MX-4, and ZZM/MX-6, respectively. Among the prepared samples, ZZM/MX-4 electrocatalyst exhibited the least overpotential of 327.6 mV @ 10 mA cm−2; and a low Tafel slope of 79.5 mVdec−1 in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 electrolyte for HER. Also, it demonstrated excellent stability, withstanding 50 h of operation under acidic conditions. The higher electrocatalytic performance in this material can be attributed to the robust interaction between hetero-phase interfaces along ZnS–ZnO–MoS 2 and MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x) support, which activates MoS 2 basal planes and enhances the charge transfer properties. Further, the activation of MoS 2 edges by introduction of ZnS/ZnO phases led to enhanced number of active sites for HER electrocatalysis. This work showcases an opportunity to apply dual modification of edge and basal planes in various other chalcogenide materials to enhance environmentally friendly clean HER performance and stability. [Display omitted] • Development of HF-Free environmentally safe method of Mxene etching. • Successful formation of MoS2/Mxene composite through mild hydrothermal approach. • Physicochemical Characterization evidenced the formation of Zn doped MoS2/Mxene. • Doping of MoS2/Mxene with Zinc improved electrochemical HER performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]