MoS2 supported CoS2 on carbon cloth as a high-performance electrode for hydrogen evolution reaction

Here we report a strategy to prepare electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation based on MoS2 grown on highly conductive CoS2 decorated carbon cloth (MoS2/CoS2/CC) through a two-step method. The rational design of sandwich structure of MoS2/CoS2/CC electrode was significant for homogenously dispersing MoS2 on the carbon substrate, tuning the properties of the MoS2 and improving long-term durability. Benefiting from the sandwich structure with highly exposed edges, fast electron transport and additional active sites brought by interfacial sulfur of MoSCo, the resulting MoS2/CoS2/CC electrode exhibited superior HER activity and excellent stability in acid solution including an overpotential of 118 and 159 mV at current density of 10 and 100 mA/cm2, respectively, a Tafel slope of 37 mV per decade and excellent cycling stability in acid solution. The high catalytic performance and simplicity of the preparation method suggest applicability of the MoS2/CoS2/CC electrode for large-scale practical applications.