Two-Dimensional WS2/g-C3N4 Layered Heterostructures With Enhanced Pseudocapacitive and Electrocatalytic Properties

In this work, tungsten-based hybrid nanocomposites were grown on interconnected, macroscopic graphitic carbon nitride scaffold after solvothermal treatment followed by sulfidation to attain multifunctional composite electrocatalysts. The physicochemical properties of the obtained samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The tungsten-based composites were tested as electrodes for pseudocapacitors and as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction, to take advantage of their porous graphitic carbon nitride features which would be beneficial for optimal ion transport to tungsten-based nanoparticles. These unique physicochemical features endow these composites with excellent electrochemical performances to reach a current density of 10 mA/cm2 for the hydrogen evolution reaction. In addition to demonstrating excellent specific capacitance, these hybrid nanocomposites also possess good stability after 8 hours of testing.