Enhanced alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction of MoO2/Ni3S2 nanorod arrays by interface engineering.

Interface engineering is verified as an efficient strategy for enhancing the intrinsic activity of transition metal-based electrocatalysts in alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, the heterostructural MoO 2 /Ni 3 S 2 nanorod arrays fabricated on nickel foam (MoO 2 /Ni 3 S 2 /NF) are produced by a straightforward and effective hydrothermal approach. Benefiting from interfacial effect and self-supported structure, MoO 2 /Ni 3 S 2 /NF electrocatalyst exhibits remarkable HER catalytic properties and durability with a low overpotential of 74.0 mV for achieving a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² in 1.0 M KOH, as well as a long-term stability without obvious attenuation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal electron transfer at the interface domain reduces the energy barrier of the water dissociation step and optimizes H adsorption capability, thereby expediting HER kinetics in alkaline media. This work provides a viable strategy based on interfacial engineering for designing high-efficient HER electrocatalysts. [Display omitted] ● The self-supported heterostructure MoO 2 /Ni 3 S 2 /NF nanorod arrays were synthesized. ● Interface engineering modulate the electronic structure within interface region. ● Electronic effect reduces water dissociation barrier and optimizes H adsorption. ● The MoO 2 /Ni 3 S 2 /NF exhibits excellent HER catalytic performance and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]