AgPd Alloy Nanoparticles Decorated MoS2 2D Nanosheets: Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Catalyst in Wide pH Condition

2D nanosheets of different metal chalcogenides have attracted potential interest due to their appealing physical and chemical properties. In this present study we have developed a novel approach for the synthesis of 2D sheets of MoS2 following a simple hydrothermal method. Using a simple wet-chemical route, surface of 2D sheets of MoS2 are modified with AgPd alloy nanoparticles following galvanic exchange technique. Electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of MoS2, MoS2/Ag, and AgPd alloy was checked in a wide range of pH condition. In 0.5 M H2SO4, bare MoS2 nanosheets can generate 10 mA/cm(2) current density upon application of only -0.329 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). After successful decoration of Ag nanoparticle, MoS2/Ag shows improved activity compared to bare MoS2 sheets. MoS2/Ag can generate current density 10 mA/cm(2) only by applying -0.299 V vs. RHE. Further MoS2/AgPd-1 can generate 10 mA/cm(2) current density upon application of -0.229 V vs. RHE. So, from the result it is clear that the successive inclusion of Pd in place of Ag results in higher electrocatalytic activity. Again, MoS2/AgPd-2 can generate 10 mA/cm(2) current density upon application of only -0.215 V vs. RHE. All the metal and alloy nanoparticle decorated MoS2 show excellent stability in hydrogen evolution reaction. MoS2, MoS2/AgPd-1 and MoS2/AgPd-2 can generate unaltered current density up to 30 h.