Multidimensional Thin Film Hybrid Electrodes with MoS2 Multilayer for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

Hybrid electrodes are widely used in various energy storage and conversion devices. However, conventional fabrication methods like simple mixing allow only limited control over the internal electrode structure, and it is often difficult to elucidate the structure–property relationship among the electrode components. Taking advantage of the versatile layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly method, herein we report the preparation of electrocatalytic thin film electrodes for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), highlighting the importance of nanoscale composition in multidimensional hybrid electrodes. The fabrication utilized the electrostatic interaction between the two components: catalytically active two-dimensional MoS2 nanosheets and conductive, one-dimensional multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) support. The electrocatalytic activity was found to be highly tunable by adjusting the thickness of the electrode, suggesting structural dependence of electron transfer and mass transport between the electrolyte and electrode, which is otherwise difficult to investigate in electrodes fabricated by simple conventional methods. Furthermore, the detailed mechanism of HER on the hybrid electrode was also investigated, revealing the fine balance between the catalytic activity of MoS2 and conductivity of MWNT. We anticipate that this unique approach will offer new insights into the nanoscale control of electrode architecture and the development of novel electroactive catalysts.