Synergistic effect of cocatalytic NiSe(2) on stable 1T-MoS(2) for hydrogen evolution

Robust and economical catalysts are imperative to realize the versatile applications of hydrogen. Herein, a 1T-MoS(2)/N-doped NiSe(2) composite was rationally synthesized via a solvothermal method, in which the MoS(2) nanosheets have a stable 1T phase structure, and the NiSe(2) nanoparticles serve as a cocatalytic support for MoS(2). The nonnegligible electronic couplings between NiSe(2) and MoS(2) could facilitate the optimization of their electronic structure and then improve the hydrogen adsorption. What is more, the nitrogen dopants in the NiSe(2) nanoparticles could intensify the intercalation of ammonium ions in the 1T-MoS(2) nanosheets, and further enlarge their interlayer spacing, thus the electrolyte could infiltrate into the catalyst more easily and sufficiently. This work provides a new route for rationally designing highly active and low cost hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts, and enriches the study of transition metal chalcogenides toward HER.