Hierarchical composite structure of few-layers MoS2 nanosheets supported by vertical graphene on carbon cloth for high-performance hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

Here we report a hierarchical composite structure composed of few-layers molybdenum disulfide nanosheets supported by vertical graphene on conductive carbon cloth (MDNS/VG/CC) for high-performance electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In the fabrication, 3D vertical graphene is first prepared on carbon cloth by a micro-wave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) and then few-layers MoS2 nanosheets are in-situ synthesized on the surface of the vertical graphene through a simple hydrothermal reaction. This integrated catalyst exhibits an excellent HER electrocatalytic activity including an onset potential of 50 mV, an overpotential at 10 mA cm(-2) (eta(10)) of 78 mV, a Tafel slop of 53 mV dec(-1), and an excellent cycling stability in acid solution. The excellent catalytic performance can be ascribed to the abundant active edges provided by the vertical MoS2 nanosheets, as well as the effective electron transport route provided by the graphene arrays on the conductive substrate. Moreover, the vertical graphene offers robust anchor sites for MoS2 nanosheets and appropriate intervals for electrolyte infiltration. This not only benefits hydrogen convection and release but also avoids the damaging or restacking of catalyst in electrochemical processes.