Review on 2D Molybdenum Diselenide (MoSe2) and Its Hybrids for Green Hydrogen (H2) Generation Applications

Abstract

Hydrogen (H2) is a green and economical substitute to traditional fossil fuels due to zero carbon emissions. Water splitting technology is developing at a rapid speed to sustainably generate H2 through electro- and photolysis of water without the harmful emissions associated with steam methane reforming. Development of efficient catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is pertinent for economical green H2 generation. In this regard, 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are considered to be excellent alternatives to noble metal catalysts. Among other TMDCs, 2D MoSe2 is preferred due to the low Gibbs free energy for hydrogen adsorption, good electrical conductivity, and more metallic nature. Moreover, the physicochemical and electronic properties of MoSe2 can be easily tailored to suit HER application by simple synthetic strategies. Herein, we comprehensively review the application of 2D MoSe2 in the electrocatalytic HER, focusing on recent advancements in the modulation of the MoSe2 properties through nanostructure design, phase transformation, defect engineering, doping, and formation of heterostructures. We also discuss the role of 2D MoSe2 as a cocatalyst in the photocatalytic HER. The article concludes with a synopsis of current progress and prospective future trends.