Chapter 12: Transition Metal Dichalcogenide-based Electrocatalysts

Hydrogen as a high-quality energy carrier plays an important role in the reformation of the global energy structure, with hydrogen production by electrolytic water splitting has advantages of high energy conversion efficiency and being pollution-free, and it has been considered as the best way forward for green hydrogen evolution. Precious metal platinum (Pt)-based catalysts are the most effective commercial catalysts at present, but their high cost and limited reserves hinder their large-scale application. Transition metal disulfides (TMDs) have attracted much attention in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) because of their abundant resources, variable valence state, and good conductivity. This chapter reviews the research progress on TMDS in the HER in recent years, including single metal sulfides, bimetallic sulfides, and polymetallic sulfides. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for TMD catalyst applications in the HER are considered.