Abstract
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The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a sustainable energy production route using green chemistry. Transition metal dichalcogenides' application in catalytic hydrogen production is limited due to a lack of solutions that simultaneously address intrinsic activity, increased surface area, electrical conductivity, and stability problems. Herein we address these issues simultaneously by modifying the electronic structure of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanorods using a low content of Pd (1 wt% and 2 wt%) dopant via a facile colloidal solvothermal route. The resulting MoS2 nanorods doped with (1 and 2 wt%) palladium demonstrate current density of 100 mA/cm2 at quit lower over-potentials of 137 mV and 119 mV than 273 mV for pure MoS2 nanorods, accompanied by high stability. This research proposes a strategy for designing high-performance HER electrocatalysts that work in acidic medium. In addition, the Tafel slop calculated for MoS2 is 112 mV/dec whereas for 1 and 2 wt% Pd-MoS2, the Tafel slopes are 70 mV/dec and 46 mV/dec.