Investigation of morphologically tuned Sb2S3 nanostructures as an effective electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

A simple solvothermal route has been adopted for the successful development of morphologically varied Sb2S3 nanostructures by incorporating various organic complex reagents into the reaction process. The prepared Sb2S3 nanostructures were investigated for electrocatalytic performance towards HER. The nanostructured Sb2S3 (PVP) catalyst exhibiting dumbbell shape formed together by the aggregation of nanowires revealed better performance in catalyzing HER with low overpotential of − 0.168 V vs. RHE in attaining the current density of 10 mA/cm2 when compared with other catalyst possessing different morphology. It also revealed least Tafel slope value of 85 mV/dec corroborating that the reaction kinetics follows Volmer-Heyrovsky step. The nanowires possess large number of active surface sites and interfaces as it facilitates transfer of charges across the electrode-electrolyte interface which helped in the evolution of hydrogen molecules more rapidly with low onset potential. [Display omitted] •Morphologically tuned Sb2S3 nanostructure was developed by solvothermal method.•The electrocatalytic performance towards HER was investigated.•Dumbbell-shaped catalyst Sb2S3(PVP) showed better electrocatalytic performance.•It followed Volmer-Heyrovsky step with the slope value of 85 mV/dec.•The same catalyst also exhibited excellent stability.