Silicon quantum dots-assistant synthesis of mesoporous MoS2 3D frameworks (SiQDs-MoS2) with 1T and 2H phases for hydrogen evolution reaction

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) holds promise as an electrocatalyst candidate for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, it is a challenge for MoS2 electrocatalyst to owe simultaneously good electrocatalytic activity and long-term electrochemical stability. Herein, we synthesize MoS2 by a hydrothermal method with the assistance of silicon quantum dots (SiQDs). The resultant SiQDs-MoS2 possesses a 3D framework structure with dense mesoporous whilst contains 1T and 2H phases. Consequently, SiQDs-MoS2 elecctrocatalyst presents good electrocatalytic activity (overpotential of 200 mV and Tafel slope of 60 mV dec−1) and acceptable electrochemical stability (72 h). Integration of the mesoporous 3D structure and the 1T/2H multiphase can contribute to the excellent electrocatalytic performance. This work provides insights into the design and development of the high-performance electrocatalysts.