MoS₂ Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction: Progress, Challenges, and Perspectives

Abstract

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) has emerged as one of the most promising non-precious electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), owing to its earth abundance, tunable electronic structure, and high catalytic activity at edge sites. Unlike platinum-based catalysts, MoS₂ offers a cost-effective and scalable alternative, yet its performance is limited by poor electrical conductivity, low intrinsic activity of basal planes, and stability challenges under long-term operation. Recent progress in engineering strategies such as defect creation, phase modulation, heteroatom doping, and hybridization with conductive substrates has significantly improved charge transport and increased the density of active sites. Moreover, integration with carbon-based materials and development of nanostructured architectures have enhanced durability and efficiency in acidic and alkaline electrolytes. Despite these advances, challenges remain in achieving industrial-scale performance, understanding mechanistic pathways at the atomic level, and ensuring long-term stability under realistic operating conditions. This paper reviews recent developments in MoS₂-based HER electrocatalysts, highlights critical challenges, and outlines future perspectives toward designing highly active, durable, and scalable MoS₂ systems for sustainable hydrogen production.