In this communication, graphene film-confined WS2 nanoparticles were deposited on conductive substrate by a one-step electrodeposition strategy using (NH4)(2)WS4 and graphene oxide (GO) as precursors. As a novel hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalyst, this hybrid film exhibits highly catalytic activity with low onset overpotential, a small Tafel slope and good stability. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.