Self-assembled chrysanthemum-like microspheres constructed by few-layer ReSe2 nanosheets as a highly efficient and stable electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

For the first time, a facile one-pot synthesis of chrysanthemum-like ReSe2 microspheres (CRM), which are self-assembled by wrinkled few-layer ReSe2 nanosheets with highly crystalline quality, is presented. Compared to ReS2, the ReSe2 microspheres exhibit superior electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER): the CRM catalyst delivers a small onset overpotential of 80 mV and the lowest Tafel slope of 67.5 mV/decade for all reported Re-based dichalcogetlides; it also exhibits excellent stability. The unique chrysanthemum-like structure with rich wrinkled edges and abundant nanopores guarantees sufficient electrocatalytic active edge sites, resulting in excellent HER performance of ReSe2. Chrysanthemum-like ReSe2 microsphere is a promising candidate for high-performance HER. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.