Interface Designing over WS2/W2C for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis

Interface engineering is a promising strategy for boosting the catalytic performances via the optimized coordination. Herein, we developed a top-down strategy to in situ obtain the nanocomposite of N, S-decorated porous carbon matrix encapsulated WS2/W2C (WS2/W2C@NSPC). The as-synthesized hybrid is characterized by excellent interface coupling in atomic level, good electrical conductivity, and high active surface area. Electrochemical measurements show that the optimized catalyst exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution in both acidic and alkaline media. These results should be attributed to the abundant active sites existing in the different phase boundaries, resulting from a synergistic effect of the activated WS2/W2C heterostructure and the highly conductive carbon matrix. This strategy opens new avenues toward understanding the relationship between chemical structure and catalytic performance in molecular level and thus providing a rational way to fabricate highly efficient and durable electrocatalysts.