University Chemistry

Special Issue:

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Exploration and practice of self-designed experiments in computational chemistry: a teaching case of the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction on two-dimensional monolayer molybdenum disulfide

Hong Wu1,2, Qianghua Wu1,2, Hongyan Feng1,2, Xuan Lei1,2, Xiaokui Wang1,2, Bangkun Jin1,2, Hongchun Li1,2, Haifeng Lv1,3   

  1. 1 School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, Anhui Province, China;
    2 National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education (University of Science and Technology of China), Hefei 230026, Anhui Province, China;
    3 State Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, Anhui Province, China
  • Received:2026-01-10 Revised:2026-03-11 Accepted:2026-03-11
  • Contact: Hongchun Li, Haifeng Lv E-mail:hflv@ustc.edu.cn;lihc@ustc.edu.cn

Abstract: This teaching case presents an independent inquiry project that incorporates computational chemistry into physical chemistry laboratory instruction, focusing on the theoretical design and performance prediction of electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts. Using two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as a model catalyst system, students systematically learn and implement the complete workflow of density functional theory (DFT) calculations through the Materials Studio software platform. The computational process includes crystal structure modeling, geometry optimization, hydrogen adsorption energy calculation, and Gibbs free energy analysis. By comparing hydrogen adsorption free energies (△GH) at different adsorption sites on the MoS2 basal plane, students develop a microstructure-level understanding of the origin of its catalytic inertness. Subsequently, students are guided to independently research literature, propose strategies for enhancing basal plane activity, and conduct preliminary computational validations. This case study aims to overcome the limitations of conventional physical chemistry experiments by developing students’ capacity to employ advanced computational tools for solving complex scientific problems, while establishing a comprehensive research framework that integrates theoretical calculation, mechanistic analysis, and material design.

Key words: Self-designed experiments, Computational chemistry, Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction, Hydrogen adsorption free energy, Improvement of catalytic activity