Recent Progress in the Synthesis and Engineering of High-Performance MoS2 Electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a promising earth-abundant electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), attributed to its favorable electronic structure and chemical stability. Nevertheless, its application is limited by poor electrical conductivity and low exposure of active sites. This review highlights recent progress in the synthesis and structural engineering of MoS2-based catalysts to improve HER performance. Strategies such as morphology tuning, phase modulation, defect engineering, and heterostructure construction are systematically evaluated for their roles in enhancing charge transport, increasing active site density, and improving intrinsic catalytic activity. Additionally, the relationship between atomic structure, electronic properties, and HER kinetics is discussed to elucidate fundamental structure–activity correlations. These insights advance the development of MoS2 as a cost-effective and scalable catalyst for hydrogen production and inform the rational design of future HER materials.