  We designed solution-processed, flexible hybrid graphene flake/2H-MoS2
quantum dot (QD) heterostructures, showing enhanced electrocatalytic activity
for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with respect to their native
individual components. The 2H-MoS2 QDs are produced through a scalable,
environmentally friendly, one-step solvothermal approach from two-dimensional
(2D) 2H-MoS2 flakes obtained by liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) of their bulk
counterpart in 2-Propanol. This QDs synthesis avoids the use of high boiling
point and/or toxic solvents. Graphene flakes are produced by LPE of graphite in
N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The electrochemical properties of 2H-MoS2 QDs and their
HER-favorable chemical and electronic coupling with graphene enable to reach a
current density of 10 mA/cm^2 at an overpotential of 136 mV, surpassing the
performances of graphene flake/2H-MoS2 (1T-MoS2) flake heterostructures. Our
approach provides a shortcut, viable and cost-effective method for enhancing
the 2D materials electrocatalytic properties.
