Bifunctional and Efficient CoS₂–C@MoS₂ Core–Shell Nanofiber Electrocatalyst for Water Splitting

Abstract

It\nis highly desirable to develop alternative non-noble metal hydrogen\nevolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts\nwith the advantages of low cost and high efficiency. In this study,\nwe report the synthesis of CoS₂–C@MoS₂ core–shell nanofibers by using electrospun Co–carbon\nnanofibers as templates, followed by a one-step hydrothermal reaction\naccompanied with a sulfurization process. Benefiting from the unique\nstructure and the synergistic effect between the components, the resultant\nCoS₂–C@MoS₂ core–shell nanofibers\nexhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability toward HER,\nshowing the overpotential of approximately 173 mV at 10 mA cm^–2 and virtually immobile current density after 1000\ncycles. Furthermore, the CoS₂–C@MoS₂ core–shell\nnanofibers also show a good OER catalytic activity, providing them\nas efficient candidates for bifunctional water splitting electrocatalysts.