Facile fabrication of Bi2S3–ZnS nanohybrids on graphene sheets with enhanced electrochemical performances

• Bi2S3–ZnS/GNs composite was synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method.
• Bi2S3–ZnS/GNs nanocomposite had a high electrocatalytic activity, durability, and stability.
• Bi2S3–ZnS/GNs were expected to be effective electrode material for formic acid oxidation

Graphene nanosheets (GNs) coated with Bi2S3–ZnS (Bi2S3–ZnS/GNs) hybrid materials were synthesized via a facile solvothermal method. The obtained material was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) measurements. It was revealed that the GNs were in a gauze-like morphology, and the Bi2S3–ZnS nanorods assembled into an echinus structure and attached onto the GNs. The electrochemical performances of the nanohybrids were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and charge/discharge techniques. It showed that the Bi2S3–ZnS/GNs nanocomposite had a high electrocatalytic activity, durability, and stability. Bi2S3–ZnS/GNs were expected to be an effective electrode material for formic acid oxidation.