Ultra-thin WS₂ decorated Co-based Metal‒organic framework derived materials for synergistic electrocatalysis towards pH-Universal hydrogen evolution reaction

Rational designing of a WS₂-based hybrid material is extremely important to resolve low-edge sites and poor conductivity of bare WS₂, but it is still challenging to construct applicable structures. In this study, an electrocatalyst with ultra-thin WS₂ nanosheets homogeneously decorated on Co–N-co-doped carbon hollow nanocages (WS₂-3/Co–N–CN-750) is developed, which has favorable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity and stability. The performance of WS₂-3/Co–N–CN-750 is significantly improved due to the collective synergy of the specific micro-morphology, interfacial structure, and electronic property. The hybridization of WS₂ and Co₉S₈ can optimize the electronic structure, reduce hydrogen adsorption energy, slash the decomposition barrier of H₂O, and accelerate the electron transfer to WS₂. Furthermore, the marginal sites of WS₂ are significantly increased by optimizing the aggregation growth of WS₂. Besides, the precipitation of appropriate Co particles and the Co-based metal-organic framework (Co-MOF) lay a solid foundation for the favorable conductivity of the hybrid material. However, samples after stability tests reveal that cobalt sulfide is corroded and transformed in a locally strong alkali condition. This study highlights the synergies of multicomponent hybridization and provides insights into the stability of congeneric materials.