Strength in Synergy: MoS₂-VS₄ Nano-Architecture Modified with Reduced Graphene Oxide as a Robust Electrocatalyst for...

The green hydrogen production via electrochemical water splitting serves as an effective route to mitigate the looming energy and environmental crisis toward the development of green and sustainable future. However, the process requires a robust, cost-effective and earth-abundant bifunctional electrocatalyst. Herein, we have rationally designed a 2D layered transition metal dichalcogenide-based heterostructure of MoS₂-VS₄ modified with reduced-graphene oxide (r-GO) via chemical process. The electrocatalyst achieved an electrochemical performance of a low overpotential of 104 mV (hydrogen evolution reaction) and 236 mV (oxygen evolution reaction) at a current density of 10 mA /cm² in acidic and alkaline medium, respectively. Additionally, the catalyst is capable of overall water splitting, generating a low cell voltage of 1.55 V at a current density of 10 mA/cm² and exhibiting impressive stability for 20 h with minimal deviation. The improved performance is ascribed to the synergistic effect coming through the combination of MoS₂ and VS₄ along with r-GO. Here, r-GO acts as a bridge between MoS₂ and VS₄ matrix for faster charge transfer process. Moreover, the catalyst practically demonstrates solar-to-green hydrogen energy conversion by integrating a Si solar cell. The overall work creates a footprint toward the development of an electrocatalyst for next-generation green hydrogen production.