Snowflake-Like Cu2S/MoS2/Pt heterostructure with near infrared photothermal-enhanced electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen production

Snowflake-like Cu 2 S/MoS 2 heterostructures with varied compositions were constructed via a two-step hydrothermal method. The 45-Cu 2 S/MoS 2 with 45 wt% Cu 2 S was found as the optimum catalyst, which displayed photothermal enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance under near infrared (NIR) irradiation. After electrochemical deposition of a tiny amount of Pt (45-Cu 2 S/MoS 2 /Pt-100s), Schottky barrier was formed between Pt nanoparticles and MoS 2 nanosheets. Using 45-Cu 2 S/MoS 2 /Pt-100s as an electrocatalyst, low overpotential of 78 mV (@10 mV cm −2 ) and Tafel slope of 48 mV dec −1 were achieved with the assistance of NIR irradiation. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production performance of 45-Cu 2 S/MoS 2 /Pt-100s was also investigated. The optimal conversion efficiency of 45-Cu 2 S/MoS 2 /Pt-100s could reach 0.78% at 0.57 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)). The control of the internal geometric and electronic structure of the catalysts and the aid of photothermal effect in this work provide new ideas for designing high-efficiency hydrogen evolution catalysts. • Snowflake-Like Cu 2 S/MoS 2 /Pt composite was prepared for (photo)electrocatalysis. • The Cu 2 S/MoS 2 /Pt composite showed NIR enhanced catalytic hydrogen evolution activity. • NIR induced photothermal effect could improve the interfacial charge transport rate. • Its p–n heterojunction and Schottky barrier boost the e – -h + transfer and separation.