Graphical Abstract
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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 MoSx 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. MoSx 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.
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