Engineering heterostructured Mo₂C/MoS₂ catalyst with hydrophilicity/aerophobicity via carbothermal shock for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution

The exploration of high-performance hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts is conducive to the development of clean hydrogen energy, yet still remains a challenge. Herein, we rapidly synthesize the Mo₂C/MoS₂ heterostructure on carbon paper (Mo₂C/MoS₂-CP) via carbothermal shock in only two seconds. The construction of the Mo₂C/MoS₂ heterostructure regulates the electronic structure of the Mo site and facilitates charge transfer during the HER process. Moreover, the catalyst exhibits enhanced hydrophilicity and aerophobicity, facilitating optimal electrolyte-catalyst interaction and efficient hydrogen bubble detachment for accelerated mass transfer. Consequently, Mo₂C/MoS₂-CP exhibits superior intrinsic alkaline HER activity, and excellent stability for 100 h. This finding provides a novel insight into the development of outstanding HER catalysts.