Three-dimensional structure of WS2/graphene/Ni as a binder-free electrocatalytic electrode for highly effective and stable hydrogen evolution reaction

Tungsten disulfide (WS2) has attracted much attention as the promising electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, the three-dimensional (3D) structure electrode composed of WS2 and graphene/Ni foam has been demonstrated as the binder-free electrode for highly effective and stable HER. The overpotential of 3D WS2/graphene/Ni is 87 mV at 10 mA cm−2, and the current density is 119.1 mA cm−2 at 250 mV overpotential, indicating very high HER activity. Moreover, the current density of 3D WS2/graphene/Ni at 250 mV only decreases from 119.1 to 110.1 mA cm−2 even after 3000 cycles, indicating a good stability. The high HER performance of 3D WS2/graphene/Ni binder-free electrode is superior than mostly previously reported WS2-based catalysts, which is attributed to the unique graphene-based porous and conductive 3D structure, the high loading of WS2 catalysts and the robust contact between WS2 and 3D graphene/Ni backbones. This work is expected to be beneficial to the fundamental understanding of both the electrocatalytic mechanisms and, more significantly, the potential applications in hydrogen economy for WS2.