Underlying Structure-Activity Correlations of 2D Layered Transition Metal Dichalcogenides-Based Electrocatalysts for Boosted Hydrogen Generation

Abstract: Hydrogen fuel is an ideal energy source to replace the traditional fossil fuels because of its high energy density and renewability. Electrochemical water splitting is also regarded as a sustainable, cleaning and eco-friendly method for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), but a cheaper, earth-abundant and similarly efficient alternative to Pt as an HER catalyst cannot still be discovered. Recently, 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) are demonstrated to greatly enhance the HER activity. Herein, our work provides an insight into the recent advances in 2D TMDs-based HER following the composition-characterisation-construction guideline. After the background introduction, several research outputs based on 2D TMDs as well as the comprehensive analysis on the modulation strategies of 2D TMDs, for the purposes of increasing the active sites, improving the intrinsic activity and altering the electronic states. Finally, the future opportunities and challenges of 2D TMDs electrocatalysts are briefly featured.