<p>Bifunctional catalysts with optimal catalytic performance for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are crucial for improving the energy conversion efficiency of hydrogen and oxygen production in electrolytic water. They represent an essential step towards the realization of efficient overall water splitting. The 4N6Co-MoS₂ was synthesized via an enhanced hydrothermal method, employing CH₄N₂S and Na₂MoO₄ as the sulfur and molybdenum sources, respectively, in conjunction with Co(NO₃)₂ and C₃H₆N₆ as the cobalt and nitrogen sources. The catalyst is comprised of spherical particles that exhibit a nanoflower structure composed of MoS₂ nanoflakes. X-ray photoelectron spectrometer results demonstrated that the cobalt element was present in a tetravalent state while the nitrogen element in the samples was present as pyridine nitrogen, graphite nitrogen, and N-Mo. This evidence substantiated the successful introduction of N and Co elements into the MoS₂ matrix. When employed as an HER catalyst, the 4N6Co-MoS₂ shows a lower overpotential of 307&#xa0;mV at 10&#xa0;mA·cm⁻², exhibiting an enhancement of approximately 160&#xa0;mV in overpotential compared to the pristine MoS₂ in 0.1&#xa0;mol·L⁻¹ KOH solution. When employed as an OER catalyst, it exhibits an overpotential of 380&#xa0;mV at 10&#xa0;mA·cm⁻², representing a significant enhancement compared to the pristine MoS₂ in 0.1&#xa0;mol·L⁻¹ KOH solution. For overall water spitting, 4N6Co-MoS₂ exhibits 1.81&#xa0;V voltage in 1.0&#xa0;mol·L⁻¹ KOH solution and splits water steadily for over 50&#xa0;h. This work presents a straightforward approach for enhancing the catalytic activity of MoS₂ and developing catalysts with bifunctional catalytic properties.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>