MoS₂ yolk–shell microspheres with a hierarchical porous structure for efficient hydrogen evolution

Yolk–shell architectures have attracted extensive attention owing to their unique structure and infusive applications. MoS₂ is regarded as one of the most promising catalytic materials for hydrogen evolution by the splitting of water. In this work, a simple self-template solvothermal approach is developed for the synthesis of novel MoS₂ yolk–shell microspheres with a hierarchical porous structure by reacting MoO₂ microspheres with L-cysteine. A dissolutionrecrystallization formation mechanism is proposed for the MoS₂ yolk–shell microspheres. Owing to structural superiority, the new material architecture exhibits improved photoelectrochemical properties, including efficient hydrogen evolution reaction catalytic activities, a high photocurrent density, a small overpotential, and a low charge-transfer resistance.