Synthesis and HER properties of honeycomb Mo2WS6/NF nanorod array solid solution alloys

The electrolytic water-based hydrogen production demonstrates exceptional selectivity, minimal environmental impact, and superior purity of the generated hydrogen, thereby presenting promising prospects for a wide range of applications. The scarcity and high cost of Pt-based catalysts for industrial applications necessitate the development of low-cost, stable, and efficient transition metal electrocatalysts for hydrogen electrochemical precipitation (HER). In this paper, Mo 2 WS 6 nanorod array with honeycomb structure was successfully synthesized via one-step hydrothermal vulcanisation of transition metals W and Mo on nickel foam (NF) substrate. The honeycomb nanorod array structure exhibits enhanced specific surface area and abundant active sites, and the well-defined pore structure facilitates the transport of electrolyte and reactive substances. The intrinsic activity of the active sites is significantly enhanced by the synergistic effect of MoS 2 and WS 2 , facilitated by the formation of solid solution alloys. Excellent HER performance (η 10 =63 mV, η 100 =183 mV) was demonstrated in alkaline electrolyte (1.0 M KOH) with a corresponding Tafel slope of 93 mV dec −1 . Furthermore, Mo 2 WS 6 exhibited excellent stability after undergoing 5000 cycles of charge/discharge and a constant voltage test lasting for 96 hours. This study provides a novel approach for facile synthesis of high-efficiency HER catalysts by a one-step hydrothermal method . • Mo 2 WS 6 solid solution alloy on nickel foam was synthesized via one-step hydrothermal method . • The 3D nanorod array structures were composed of stable and highly porous 2D nanosheets. • MoS 2 and WS 2 undergo electron transfer and synergistic interactions. • The catalyst exhibited low overpotential, rapid reaction kinetics, and excellent catalytic stability.