Synergistic WO3·2H2O Nanoplates/WS2 Hybrid Catalysts for High-Efficiency Hydrogen Evolution

Tungsten trioxide dihydrate (WO3·2H2O) nanoplates are prepared by in situ anodic oxidation of tungsten disulfide (WS2) film on carbon fiber paper (CFP). The WO3·2H2O/WS2 hybrid catalyst exhibits excellent synergistic effects which facilitate the kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The electrochromatic effect takes place via hydrogen intercalation into WO3·2H2O. This process is accelerated by the desirable proton diffusion coefficient in the layered WO3·2H2O. Hydrogen spillover from WO3·2H2O to WS2 occurs via atomic polarization caused by the electric field of the charges on the planar defect or edge active sites of WS2. The optimized hybrid catalyst presents a geometrical current density of 100 mA cm–2 at 152 mV overpotential with a Tafel slope of ∼54 mV per decade, making the materials one of the most active nonprecious metal HER catalysts.