Ultrathin WS<inf>2</inf> nanoflakes as a high-performance electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

Much has been done to search for highly efficient and inexpensive electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which is critical to a range of electrochemical and photoelectrochemical processes. A new, high-temperature solution-phase method for the synthesis of ultrathin WS 2 nanoflakes is now reported. The resulting product possesses monolayer thickness with dimensions in the nanometer range and abundant edges. These favorable structural features render the WS2 nanoflakes highly active and durable catalysts for the HER in acids. The catalyst exhibits a small HER overpotential of approximately 100 mV and a Tafel slope of 48 mV/decade. These ultrathin WS2 nanoflakes represent an attractive alternative to the precious platinum benchmark catalyst and rival MoS2 materials that have recently been heavily scrutinized for the electrocatalytic HER. Ultrathin WS2 nanoflakes were synthesized according to a new high-temperature solution-phase method. These nanoflakes may be used as efficient catalysts for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction and represent an attractive alternative to the expensive platinum benchmark catalysts. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.