Gram-scale mechanochemical synthesis of atom-layer MoS₂ semiconductor electrocatalyst via functionalized graphene quantum dots for efficient hydrogen evolution

• Main Authors: Hu, Bingjie, Wu, Yao, Wang, Kang, Guo, Huazhang, Lei, Zhendong, Liu, Zheng, Wang, Liang
• Other Authors: School of Materials Science and Engineering
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Materials; Atom-layer; Graphene Quantum Dots
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/171269
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The development of advanced and efficient synthetic methods is pivotal for the widespread application of 2D materials. In this study, a facile and scalable solvent-free mechanochemical approach is approached, employing graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as exfoliation agents, for the synthesis and functionalization of nearly atom-layered MoS2 nanosheets (ALMS). The resulting ALMS exhibits an ultrathin average thickness of 4 nm and demonstrates high solvent stability. The impressive yield of ALMS reached 63%, indicating its potential for scalable production of stable nanosheets. Remarkably, the ALMS catalyst exhibits excellent HER performance. Moreover, the ALMS catalyst showcases exceptional long-term durability, maintaining stable performance for nearly 200 h, underscoring its potential as a highly efficient and durable electrocatalyst. Significantly, the catalytic properties of ALMS are significantly influenced by ball milling production conditions. The GQD-assisted large-scale machinery synthesis pathway provides a promising avenue for the development of efficient and high-performance ultrathin 2D materials.