Core/shell 1T/2H-MoS₂ nanoparticle induced synergistic effects for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction

Green hydrogen is a highly sought-after clean fuel for the next generation of engines aimed at achieving net-zero emissions. Herein, we design and fabricate a mixed-phase core/shell nanoparticles consisting of a semiconducting 2H-MoS₂ core and a metallic 1T-MoS₂ coating. The core/shell exhibits spherical morphology with an average diameter of 60 nm. To leverage this unique structure, we develop a photocathode device composed of 1T/2H-MoS₂ core/shell integrated with p-type silicon to catalyze hydrogen evolution reaction via water splitting driven by solar energy. The core/shell device demonstrates, at zero bias, a remarkable current density of -13.5 ± 1 mA/cm² and an onset potential of 110 mV. Additionally, the device exhibited a rapid photoresponse time and a high incident photon-to-current efficiency reaching 80 % at 450 nm. Our findings highlight the synergistic effect of 1T/2H-MoS₂ mixed-phase core/shell structure in developing the next generation of high-efficient photocatalysts for green hydrogen generation.