MoS2 nanoparticles coupled to SnS2 nanosheets: The structural and electronic modulation for synergetic electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is one of the core components of energy conversions. The chemical-physical properties and morphological structures of electrocatalysts are the main factors that determine the HER performance. Thus, the rational design of efficient electrocatalysts is essentially required. A new heteronanostructured system is proposed, which comprises MoS 2 nanoparticles (MoS 2 NPs) coupled to SnS 2 ultrathin nanosheets (SnS 2 NS) and operates as an efficient HER electrocatalyst. Advanced spectroscopic techniques are applied to confirm formation of heteronanostructure and occurred electron modulation of MoS 2 NPs/SnS 2 NS. Surprisingly, the MoS 2 NPs/SnS 2 NS electrocatalyst is highly efficient for HER with a low overpotential (∼0.249 V at the current density of 10 mA cm −2 ), small Tafel slope (∼42.1 mV decade −1 ) and excellent electrocatalytical stability.