Synergism of Interface and Electronic Effects: Bifunctional N-Doped Ni3S2/N-Doped MoS2 Hetero-Nanowires for Efficient Electrocatalytic Overall Water Splitting

The realization of water electrolysis on the basis of highly active, cost-effective electrocatalysts is significant yet challenging for achieving sustainable hydrogen production from water. Herein, N-doped Ni3S2/N-doped MoS2 1D hetero-nanowires supported by Ni foam (N-Ni3S2/N-MoS2/NF) are readily synthesized through a chemical transformation strategy by using NiMoO4 nanowire array growth on Ni foam (NiMoO4/NF) as the starting material. With the in situ generation of Ni3S2/MoS2 heterointerfaces within nanowires and the incorporation of N- anions, an extraordinary hydrophilic nature with abundant, well-exposed active sites and optimal reaction dynamics for both oxidation and reduction of water are obtained. Attributed to these properties, as-converted N-Ni3S2/N-MoS2/NF exhibits highly efficient electrocatalytic activities for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions under alkaline conditions. The superior bifunctional properties of N-Ni3S2/N-MoS2/NF enable it to effectively catalyze the overall water-splitting reaction.