Efficient electrochemical hydrogen evolution activity of nanostructured Ag₃PO₄/MoS₂ heterogeneous composite catalyst

Hydrogen (H₂) generation by electrochemical water splitting is a key technique for sustainable energy applications. Two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenide (MoS₂) and silver phosphate (Ag₃PO₄) possess excellent electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) properties when they are combined together as a composite rather than individuals. Reports examining the HER activity by using Ag₃PO₄, especially, in combination with the 2D layered MoS₂ are limited in literature. The weight fraction of MoS₂ in Ag₃PO₄ is optimized for 1, 3, and 5 wt%. The Ag₃PO₄/1 wt % MoS₂ combination exhibits enhanced HER activity with least overpotential of 235 mV among the other samples in the acidic medium. The synergistic effect of optimal nano-scale 2D layered MoS₂ structure and Ag₃PO₄ is essential for creating higher electrochemical active surface area of 217 mF/cm², and hence this leads to faster reaction kinetics in the HER. This work suggests the advantages of Ag₃PO₄/1 wt % MoS₂ heterogeneous composite catalyst for electrochemical analysis and HER indicating lower resistivity and low Tafel slope value (179 mV/dec) among the prepared catalysts making it a promising candidate for its use in practical energy applications.