In the quest for cleaner energy forms, materials capable of generating hydrogen (H2) are of paramount importance. Advancements in this field hinge on our comprehension of how certain promising materials, such as two-dimensional (2D) materials, function. These 2D materials are incredibly thin, just a few atoms thick, while their lateral dimensions can vary significantly.

The catalytic activity of these materials is attributed to the presence of chemical defects in the basal plane. However, establishing platforms that allow for the controlled generation of defects and combining mechanical tests with electrochemical studies poses a significant challenge.

This work aims to investigate the catalytic activity at the basal plane of 2D materials using both rigid and flexible electrodes. We aim to assess how chemical defects and mechanical effects influence the hydrogen evolution reaction.