MoS2 coating on CoSx-embedded nitrogen-doped-carbon-nanosheets grown on carbon cloth for energy conversion

Designing low-cost and highly efficient electrocatalysts has become a critical aspect to achieve sustainable energy production. Herein, we report the preparation strategy of MoS2 on Co-oxide nanoparticles embedded nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets (Co-NC) those derived by ZIF-L anchored on a carbon cloth as an electrode for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The hybrid electrode denoted as MoS2/Co-NC/CC was synthesized in sequence of the growth of the leaf-like zeolitic imidazolate framework (Co-ZIF-L) on a carbon cloth (CC), the carbonization of the Co-ZIF-L and deposition of MoS2 by metal organic chemical deposition (MOCVD). The hierarchical porous catalyst presented remarkable electrochemical activity towards the HER in acidic solution, exhibiting great stability and fast kinetics with a small Tafel slope of 51 mV dec−1. Moreover, to produce a current density of 10 mA cm−2 (η10), MoS2/Co-NC/CC required a low overpotential of 111 mV, which is comparable with Pt. [Display omitted] •MoS2/Co-NC/CC hybrid is prepared by pyrolysis of Co-ZIF-L/CC and MOCVD of MoS2.•The MoS2/Co-NC/CC composite exhibits great HER activity and stability.•The synergic effect between MoS2 and CoSx greatly enhances the activity.