Synchronously integration of carbon-quantum-dot and Cu, Mo dual-metal doped in Ni3S2@Ni foam toward robust and stable electrocatalytic hydrogen generation

In the pursuit of advancing the production of H 2 through hydrogen-evolution reaction (HER), the demand for the elaborate design of cost-effective and robust durability electrocatalysts has gained momentum, especially replacement of noble-metal counterparts like Pt. Herein, we introduce a facile one-pot hydrothermal approach to synthesize nickel foam-supported Ni 3 S 2 nanosheet arrays, which integrate with carbon-quantum-dot (CQDs) and Cu, Mo dual-metal doped. With the introduction of CQDs and Cu, Mo dual-metal doped site, the optimal CQDs-Cu-Mo-Ni 3 S 2 @NF exhibits superior HER catalytic activity with a low overpotential of 125 mV at 10 mA·cm −2 and strong durability for 30 h in alkaline medium. The exceptional electrocatalytic performance is ascribed to the synergistic effect of CQDs and Cu, Mo dual-metal site. This synergy encompasses optimization of water molecule adsorption/desorption energetics , elevated electrical conductivity , weakening of the strong S–H bond interaction on the Ni 3 S 2 surface, and providing ample active centers. Furthermore, an in-depth understanding of the electronic structure and adsorption energy during the HER process is probed by density functional theory (DFT) analysis. Our work provides a quintessential paradigm for the rational design of multi-component electrocatalysts for water splitting. Homogeneous carbon-quantum-dot-modified Cu and Mo dual metal doped Ni 3 S 2 @NF electrodes are constructed by a simple yet effective one-pot hydrothermal strategy for hydrogen-evolution reaction. • CQDs-Cu-Mo-Ni 3 S 2 @NF were prepared via a one-step hydrothermal approach. • The moderate amount of Cu and Mo doping boosts active sites and optimize electronic structure. • CQDs could serve as a cocatalyst to enhance the catalytic activity and ensure superior durability. • 2D nanosheet structure and multi-components enhances the electrocatalytic activity and stability of HER.