Strained W(SexS1–x)2 Nanoporous Films for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution

A W(SexS1–x)2 nanoporous architecture (NPA) was developed by facile anodic and chemical vapor deposition treatments. The ternary W(SexS1–x)2 NPA offers significant advantages toward high-efficiency hydrogen generation: (i) Nanoporous morphology provides more electrochemically active sites to split water. (ii) Lattice mismatch and disordering in the mix-phased W(SexS1–x)2 film introduce more defects to enhance the catalytic activity. (iii) Conducting 1T phase formed in the strained W(SexS1–x)2 facilitates the electron transfer during catalytic reactions. Therefore, an onset overpotential of 45 mV and a Tafel slope of 59 mV dec–1 were achieved using the as-prepared W(SexS1–x)2 NPA.