MoS_x nanowire networks derived from [Mo₃S₁₃]²⁻ clusters for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Precise design and synthesis of sub-nano scale catalysts with controllable electronic and geometric structures are pivotal for enhancing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance of molybdenum sulfide (MoS₂) and unraveling its structure−activity relationship. By leveraging transition molybdenum polysulfide clusters as functional units for multi-level ordering, we successfully designed and synthesized MoS_x nanowire networks derived from [Mo₃S₁₃]²⁻ clusters via evaporation-induced self-assembly, which exhibit enhanced HER activity attributed to a high density of active sites and dynamic evolution behavior under cathodic potentials. MoS_x nanowire networks electrode yields a current density of 100 mA·cm⁻² at 142 mV in 0.5 M H₂SO₄. This work provides an attractive prospect for optimizing catalysts at the sub-nano scale and offers insights into a strategy for designing catalysts in various gas evolution reactions.