Triggering the electrocatalytic performance of MoS2 nanosheets via the synergy of doping with W and supporting on montmorillonite

Benefiting from the two-dimensional structure, edge active sites, and rich resources, MoS2 has attracted increasing attention as a potentially efficient electrocatalyst for the H2 evolution reaction (HER). However, its electrocatalytic property is currently restricted by the poor reactivity and exposure of active sites. Doping with heteroatom and supporting on the matrix are two effective strategies to enhance the electrocatalytic H2 evolution. Herein, the electrocatalytic performance of MoS2 nanosheets was triggered via the synergy of doping with W and supporting on montmorillonite (Mt). The dual two-dimensional composites of W-doped MoS2 nanosheets supported on Mt were fabricated via a one-step hydrothermal method. The synergistic effect of doping with W and supporting on Mt results in the nano heterostructure, high electrocatalytic property for the HER, low Tafel slope (60 mV/decade) and excellent catalytic stability. Doping with W could facilitate the reactivity of catalytic active sites, while supporting on Mt could promote active site exposure and the hydrophilicity of MoS2 nanosheets. The strategy in this study provides a promising path to efficiently enhance the catalytic performances of MoS2 composite electrocatalysts.