Interface Engineering Induced Electron Redistribution at Pt_Ns/NiTe‐Ns Interfaces for Promoting pH‐Universal and Chloride‐Tolerant Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

Exploring highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts for large‐scale water electrolysis in the full potential of hydrogen (pH) range is highly desirable, but it remains a significant challenge. Herein, a simple pathway is proposed to synthesize a hybrid electrocatalyst by decorating small metallic platinum (Pt) nanosheets on a large nickel telluride nanosheet (termed as PtNs/NiTe‐Ns). The as‐prepared PtNs/NiTe‐Ns catalyst only requires overpotentials of 72, 162, and 65 mV to reach a high current density of 200 mA cm−2 in alkaline, neutral and acidic conditions, respectively. Theoretical calculations reveal that the combination of metallic Pt and NiTe‐Ns subtly modulates the electronic redistribution at their interface, improves the charge‐transfer kinetics, and enhances the performance of Ni active sites. The synergy between the Pt site and activated Ni site near the interface in PtNs/NiTe‐Ns promotes the sluggish water‐dissociation kinetics and optimizes the subsequent oxyhydrogen/hydrogen intermediates (OH*/H*) adsorption, accelerating the HER process. Additionally, the superhydrophilicity and superaerophobicity of PtNs/NiTe‐Ns facilitate the mass transfer process and ensure the rapid desorption of generated bubbles, significantly enhancing overall alkaline water/saline water/seawater electrolysis catalytic activity and stability.

Recent Advances for Seawater Hydrogen Evolution

“…[30] The above results indicate that the construction of heterostructures can significantly improve the adsorption sites of the reaction intermediates in the HER process, optimize the adsorption energy barriers of the intermediates, exhibit enhanced electron transfer at the interface, and provide fresh and efficient active sites for the H 2 O decomposition process. This interfacial electron electrolysis effect is also demonstrated in Co 2 Mo 3 O 8 /MoO 2 heterogeneous catalysts, [31] Pt Ns/NiTe-Ns heterojunction nanosheets, [32] NiP 2 -FeP 2 /Cu NW/Cu f , [33] Co@RuCo [34] and so on.…”

Manipulating electron redistribution in platinum for enhanced alkaline water splitting kinetics

“…The characteristic peak of Pt species were identified in Pt-NiFe-P/NF, consistent with the TEM test results, confirming that the metallic Pt is coupled with NiFe-P heterostructures. 38 Meanwhile, the characteristic peaks of Ni, Fe and P elements were clearly visible in the survey XPS spectrum of Pt-NiFe-P/NF. In the Ni 2p spectrum of Pt-NiFe-P/NF (Fig.…”

“…9–11 To overcome these shortcomings, the design and synthesis of low Pt content catalysts with high catalytic performance have emerged as a primary strategy. Consequently, selecting support materials with strong electrochemical properties to effectively modulate the electronic properties of Pt through interface engineering, 12,13 construction of heterostructures, 14,15 and hybridization engineering 16 are promising approaches to enhance the catalytic activity of low precious metal content catalysts.…”

Regulating the Oxygen Vacancy of 3R-Phase Iridium Oxide by Loading Platinum Nanoparticles for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution

“…Over the last few decades, various schemes have been adopted to promote the HER performance of electrocatalysts, e.g., interface engineering, element doping, construction of core/shell structures, and regulation of anion or cation vacancies. ,,− In general, the construction of composite electrocatalysts of metal Pt and iridium oxide (IrO 2 ) can be regarded as a useful scheme to maintain the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of IrO 2 and expand its HER activity. − Li et al prepared Pt-IrO 2 /carbon cloth (CC) via the cyclic voltammetry (CV) method . The significant decrease in the Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption (Δ G H* ) of Pt-IrO 2 /CC during the HER process is due to the partial reduction of Ir 4+ and the deposition of Pt nanoparticles.…”