Functionalized Metal Chalcogenides for Hydrogen Evolution

The patent replaces expensive platinum with cost-effective metal chalcogenide nanosheets (MoS2, WS2, MoSe2, WSe2) that provide comparable catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction. The use of transition metal dichalcogenides offers a economical alternative to noble metal catalysts while maintaining high catalytic efficiency

The patent modifies the crystalline structure of metal chalcogenides by stabilizing the metallic 1T phase through ligand functionalization. This phase transformation changes the electronic and catalytic properties of the material, enabling it to achieve platinum-like or superior catalytic activity. The metallic 1T phase exhibits higher density of states at Fermi level and enhanced catalytic performance compared to conventional semiconducting 2H phase

The patent introduces organic ligands (pyridine, imidazole, triazole, tetrazole and their derivatives) as intermediary molecules that coordinate with metal atoms on the surface of metal chalcogenide nanosheets. These ligands act as stabilizing agents that prevent phase transformation from metallic 1T to semiconducting 2H phase, while allowing the catalyst to maintain its high catalytic activity. The ligands form protective layers that stabilize the metastable metallic phase without blocking active sites

The patent creates composite structures by combining metal chalcogenide nanosheets with organic ligand molecules. This composite approach integrates the high catalytic activity of metallic 1T phase metal chalcogenides with the stabilizing effect of organic ligands. The resulting hybrid material exhibits both enhanced catalytic performance and improved phase stability, solving the contradiction between activity and stability