Synthesis of dense MoS₂ nanosheet layers on hollow carbon spheres and their applications in supercapacitors and the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction

Herein, we report the synthesis of hybrid nanostructures obtained by densely growing MoS₂ nanosheet layers on hydrophobic hollow carbon spheres (abbreviated as MoS₂-HCS) through a solvothermal method. The morphologies and compositions of the MoS₂-HCS hybrid are well investigated. The electrochemical performance of the MoS₂-HCS sphere is investigated in both supercapacitors and the hydrogen evolution reaction. The MoS₂-HCS exhibits a larger specific capacitance of 334 F g^-1 than the bare MoS₂ of 204 F g^-1 at 1 A g^-1, an improved rate capability of 86% from 1 to 20 A g^-1 and a stable cycling performance of 87% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles when assembled in a supercapacitor. In addition, MoS₂-HCS also show enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic media.