A straight forward approach to electrodeposit tungsten disulfide/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) composites onto nanoporous gold for the hydrogen evolution reaction

1.1 nm tungsten disulfide/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was successfully electrodeposited on the surface of dealloyed nanoporous gold (NPG) surface to form uniform nanocomposites and offers an excellent electrocatalysis for the electrochemical dihydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic media. The approach is straight forward and does not require any expensive equipment or intensive energy. The morphology and composition of the nanocomposites were structurally mapped by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The roles of both the NPG substrate and PEDOT in the observed enhanced HER activity compared to planar Au-electrode surfaces and pure single-component WS2 have been deconvoluted experimentally. PEDOT itself is inert for the HER, but was found to improve significantly the conductivity and operating stability of the WS2 catalyst. The prepared nanocomposites reach the best in 2D WS2 catalyst family, exhibiting excellent electrochemical catalytic activity for the HER. The optimal electrode showed an onset potential of −164 mV vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), an apparent exchange current density as high as 0.04 mA cm−2, and a very low Tafel slope of 53 mV dec−1. These catalysts are promising electrocatalysts for generation a large amount of H2 from water.