Topology conversion of 1T MoS2 to S-doped 2H-MoTe2 nanosheets with Te vacancies for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Metastable 1T? MoTe2 has attracted much attention as a cost-effective electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in recent years. However, few studies were done over common stable 2H phase because it often exhibits inferior performance. Herein, with S-doped Te vacancies been synthesized by one-step telluride conversion of 1T MoS2 at 700°C under Ar/H2 atmosphere. It is demonstrated that the synergistic effect S-doping and changes electronic structures catalyst. Density functional theory (DFT) show plentiful electrons accumulate on surface S atoms catalyst, which may be active sites to promote HER. Moreover, as-synthesized catalyst can directly used working electrode, realizes current density 100 mA cm?2 overpotential 217 mV Tafel slope 94 dec?1. This work stimulates intensive activation inert other nanocatalysts towards various reactions.