Hydrogen evolution reaction on VS2-NiS2 hybrid nanostructured electrocatalyst in acidic media: a binder-free electrode

The successful growth of an efficient binder-free VS2-NiS2 hybrid electrocatalyst on graphite rods is reported in the research via a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. According to the field emission scanning electron microscope images, the size of sheets and shape of structures are altered by increasing the concentration of NiS2, influencing the active sites and electrochemical results. The optimum VS2-NiS2 hybrid nanostructure catalyst offered a low overpotential (77 mV) at − 10 mA.cm−2, small Tafel slope (44.86 mV.dec−1), and negligible overpotential alteration after 1500 successive CV (cyclic voltammetry) cycles. The enhanced electrocatalytic activity of hybrid can be attributed to more exposure of active sites, adjustment of the binding energy of hydrogen to the surface, and improved charge transfer kinetics. This study offers a novel, cost-effective, binder-free, stable, and high-performance VS2-based nanostructured HER (hydrogen evolution reaction) electrocatalyst.Graphical abstract