Hetero-structured CoS2-MoS2 hollow microspheres with robust catalytic activity for alkaline hydrogen evolution

The catalytic activity of an electrocatalyst can be promoted by elaborate modulations on surfaces and interfaces, while the realization of multiple regulating routes on one electrocatalyst at the same time towards a promoted catalytic activity is a challenge. In this study, CoS2-MoS2 heterostructured hollow microspheres (HS) were firstly designed for catalyst of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline solution. It is addressed that the interface synergetic effect and electron transfer effect have been implemented simultaneously on the interfaces of MoS2 and CoS2, where the water dissociation kinetics was accelerated by the hybridized CoS2 site and the subsequent H-2 generation step was speeded up on the electronically modified MoS2 site. These advantages enable the CoS2MoS2 HS delivered a dramatically enhanced electrocatalytic performance toward the HER in alkaline solution in comparison with those of pristine MoS2 and CoS2 components. This study presents a feasible yet simple strategy to construct non-noble metal-based heterostructured materials as promising electrocatalysts in renewable energy applications.