Facile synthesis of Mn-doped MoS₂ nanosheets on carbon nanotubes as efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

As a substitute of Pt-based catalysts, MoS₂-based catalysts have been widely used in hydrogen evolution reaction, but the inherent low conductivity, limited active edges, self-stacking and agglomeration still hinder their activities. In this work, Mn-doped MoS₂ nanosheets were vertically anchored on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by the one-step hydrothermal reaction, in which Mn–O–C/Mo–O–C was considered as a bridge between Mn-MoS₂ and CNTs. The doping of the Mn element enables the spreading of MoS₂ on CNTs and the rapid escape of hydrogen bubbles from the electrode, while conductive CNTs with hydrophilicity can accelerate the electron transport process between the electrolyte and the material. With an overpotential of 150 mV at a current density of −10 mA cm⁻² and a Tafel slope of 39 mV dec⁻¹, this material exhibited excellent catalytic hydrogen evolution activity, which could open the path for designing commercial electrocatalysts. (paper)