Structure Engineering of MoS2 via Simultaneous Oxygen and Phosphorus Incorporation for Improved Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

Oxygen and phosphorus dual-doped MoS₂ nanosheets (O,P-MoS₂ ) with porous structure and continuous conductive network are fabricated using a one-pot NaH₂ PO₂ -assisted hydrothermal approach. By simply changing the precursor solution, the chemical composition and resulting structure can be effectively controlled to obtain desired properties toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Thanks to the beneficial structure and strong synergistic effects between the incorporated oxygen and phosphorus, the optimal O,P-MoS₂ exhibit superior electrocatalytic performances compared with those of oxygen single-doped MoS₂ nanosheets (O-MoS₂ ). Specifically, a low HER onset overpotential of 150 mV with a small Tafel slope of 53 mV dec^-1 , excellent conductivity, and long-term durability are achieved by the structural engineering of MoS₂ via O and P co-doping, making it an efficient HER electrocatalyst for water electrocatalysis. This work provides an alternative strategy to manipulate transition metal dichalcogenides as advanced materials for electrocatalytic and related energy applications.

Keywords: MoS2 nanosheets; electrocatalysts; hydrogen evolution reaction; oxygen-phosphorus doping; structure engineering.