Conducting scaffold supported defect rich 3D rGO-CNT/MoS₂ nanostructure for efficient HER electrocatalyst at variable pH

Designing a suitable noble metal-free electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is enduring challenge. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) shows structural and electronic advantages as potential HER electrocatalyst. The structural and electronic design of MoS₂ electrocatalysts should be considered to improve the efficiency and stability of MoS₂ based electrodes. This report shows that the presence of synergistic interaction significantly improves the HER electrocatalytic activity of defect-rich 3D rGO-CNT/MoS₂ composites. The Defect-rich conductive scaffold supported nanostructures can improve the catalytic performance and stability. Lowering of the HOMO-LUMO gap supervises the charge transfer resistance of the nanostructure. The turnover frequency value indicates that 3D rGO-CNT/MoS₂ acts as the potential electrocatalyst and the overpotential observed at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² in acidic and alkaline media are 88 mV and 172 mV, respectively. This investigation provides a new idea to develop molybdenum disulfide and scaffolds based 3D nanostructures to improve the inherent electrocatalytic activity of HER.