Carbon quantum dots implanted sulfonated 2D-MoS2 for hydrogen evolution

A novel strategy for enhancing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) through the synergistic integration of biomass-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with sulfonated MoS 2 - forming a composite structure with synergistic properties. • A sustainable and cost-effective alternative to noble metal catalysts was demonstrated, utilizing biomass-derived CQDs and sulfonated MoS 2 . • Sono-chemical method used for CQD implantation, results in a homogeneous distribution of CQD in s-MoS 2 . • Sulfonation and CQD implantation enhanced charge transfer, increased active catalytic sites and electrical conductivity in intrinsic MoS 2 . • Structural and electronic property alteration of the composite is explored by SEM, XPS, TEM and PL. We report the enhancement of electrocatalytic activity in sulfonate (−SO 3 H) group functionalized two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (2D-s-MoS 2 ) nanosheets for their use in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). These as-developed nanosheets have been decorated with sustainable biomass-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) via a sonochemical method, creating a s-MoS 2 -CQD composite material. This innovative composite demonstrates significantly improved electrocatalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) via water splitting. In particular, incorporating CQDs on 2D-s-MoS 2 overcomes many limitations, as observed in pristine 2D-MoS 2 and 2D-s-MoS 2 , especially regarding low electrical conductivity and restricted electrocatalytic activity on the basal plane. Incorporating CQDs enhances electron transfer efficiency, increases the availability of active sites, and enhances overall conductivity. As a result, the s-MoS 2 -CQD achieves remarkable HER performance, featuring a lower overpotential of ∼ 273 mV and a reduced Tafel slope of 67 mV/dec compared to s-MoS 2 . These enhancements signify faster reaction kinetics, accelerated H* adsorption–desorption, and greater catalytic efficiency. Furthermore, using sustainably synthesized CQDs positions this approach as a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional noble-metal catalysts. This research highlights the potential of functionalized two-dimensional materials, such as s-MoS 2 , implanted with zero-dimensional materials, such as CQDs, to advance sustainable hydrogen production technologies, thereby contributing to the global shift towards clean energy solutions.