Interfacial engineering for promoting charge transfer in MoS2/CoFeLDH heterostructure electrodes for overall water splitting.

In order to enhance the kinetics of water electrolysis and reduce the cell voltage, the development of highly active and stable non-precious metal bifunctional catalysts is essential. In this study, self-supported heterostructures based on MoS 2 -CoFeLDH were synthesised as the cathode and anode electrocatalysts for overall water splitting in alkaline media. The strong coupling effect at the heterogeneous interfaces of MoS 2 and CoFeLDH improved the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the cathode. The strong electronegativity of CoFeLDH facilitated the adsorption of H protons, and MoS 2 with strong electrical conductivity promoted the desorption of H 2 molecules. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode was also enhanced because the LDHs had strong adsorption properties for hydroxyl species, and MoS 2 assisted the transfer of hydroxyl species. The MoS 2 -CoFeLDH showed low overpotentials of 100 mV for the HER and 216 mV for the OER at 10 mA/cm2. This bifunctional catalyst required a low voltage of 1.55 V for overall water splitting and remained stable for 48 h. Schematic of MoS 2 -CoFeLDH/NF heterostructure electrodes for overall water splitting. [Display omitted] • MoS 2 -CoFeLDH heterostructures were synthesised for overall water splitting. • The strong coupling effect at heterogeneous interfaces improved HER and OER. • The MoS 2 -CoFeLDH showed low overpotentials of 100 mV for HER and 216 mV for OER at 10 mA/cm2. • The MoS 2 -CoFeLDH only required a low voltage of 1.55 V at 10 mA/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]