Template-free fabrication of hierarchical MoS2/MoO2 nanostructures as efficient catalysts for hydrogen production

Abstract A hierarchical MoS 2 /MoO 2 nanostructure is presented as a highly efficient catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which is prepared via a facile hydrothermal route in the absence of templates. The influence of various Mo sources has been studied and the roles of MoS 2 shell and MoO 2 core are discussed. It is found that the MoS 2 /MoO 2 nanostructures derived from the MoO 2 nanobelts exhibit the best HER activity, and the HER performance is strongly affected by the relative contents of MoS 2 shell and MoO 2 core, which correspond to the mass transport ability and the electron transfer ability, respectively.