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At least 19 records

Enhanced Catalytic Activity of a Vanadium-Doped Mesoporous Octahedral Molecular Sieve-2 (K-OMS-2) toward Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is the cathodic reaction in electrochemical water splitting that produces H 2 in a renewable pathway, primarily to be used in fuel cells. K-OMS-2, a manganese octahedral molecular sieve, has the potential to replace Pt as a catalyst for HER due to its redox and electrochemical properties, which can be further improved by doping metal cations into the K-OMS-2 framework. In this work, we synthesized 1, 5, and 10% vanadium- (V) doped mesoporous K-OMS-2 under mild acidic reaction conditions. Here, the mesoporous nature of the samples was confirmed by BET analysis. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed that Mn has 2+, 3 +, and 4+ oxidation states, and V is present as V 4+ in V-K-OMS-2 samples. HER performance of 1% V-K-OMS-2 in an acidic medium shows the best activity with -0.32 V overpotential. The overpotential was lowered by 0.56 V upon doping 1% V into the K-OMS-2 framework. The 1% V-K-OMS-2 material has a Tafel slope of 129 mV/decay and an electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of 127.5 cm 2 ECSA .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Carbon doping switching on the hydrogen adsorption activity of NiO for hydrogen evolution reaction

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is more sluggish in alkaline than in acidic media because of the additional energy required for water dissociation. Numerous catalysts, including NiO, that offer active sites for water dissociation have been extensively investigated. Yet, the overall HER performance of NiO is still limited by lacking favorable H adsorption sites. Here we show a strategy to activate NiO through carbon doping, which creates under-coordinated Ni sites favorable for H adsorption. DFT calculations reveal that carbon dopant decreases the energy barrier of Heyrovsky step from 1.17 eV to 0.81 eV, suggesting the carbon also serves as a hot-spot for the dissociation of water molecules in water-alkali HER. As a result, the carbon doped NiO catalyst achieves an ultralow overpotential of 27 mV at 10 mA cm -2 , and a low Tafel slope of 36 mV dec -1 , representing the best performance among the state-of-the-art NiO catalysts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

MoO x S y /Ni 3 S 2 Microspheres on Ni Foam as Highly Efficient, Durable Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Hydrogen energy derived from water splitting is the cleanest renewable energy source, but it is also very challenging to achieve because the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) requires highly efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts. Here, we have fabricated a novel hierarchical system of amorphous molybdenum oxy/sulfide microspheres with crystalline Ni 3 S 2 intergrown in situ on Ni foam (MoO x S y /Ni 3 S 2 /NF) as an outstanding electrocatalyst for HER. The MoO x S y /Ni 3 S 2 /NF demonstrates an ultra-low overpotential of 58 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm -2 and extremely durable stability (>200 h), suggesting superior performance comparable to that of Pt-C/NF under acidic conditions. The X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) determines the average valence state of Mo to be +(5 + δ), with a coordination motif by O and S. To explain such high HER activity, a [Mo 2 O 2 (S,O) 4 ] dimer-based periodic model structure with the average composition of [Mo 4 O 8 S 4 ] interfaced with the Ni 3 S 2 (101) surface is proposed. The interactions between the Ni of Ni 3 S 2 and bridging S/O of [Mo 4 O 8 S 4 ] result in an average formal Mo charge state between +5 and +6, and significant charge transfer from Ni 3 S 2 to [Mo 4 O 8 S 4 ] activates the Mo = O bonds. The calculated |ΔG H* | of less than 50 meV suggests that the double-bonded O is the most active site. This work points to the importance of oxy/sulfides with Mon+ (+5 < n < +6) as exceptional electrochemical catalysts for HER.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synergistic ruthenium single-atom and nanoparticles in nickel as cooperative catalysts for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction

Efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts that reduce the use of noble metals and can be synthesized on a large scale are essential for advancing anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) toward commercialization. Herein, we present a composite catalyst in which Ru nanoparticles coexist with Ru single-atom alloys (SAAs) dispersed within Ni nanoparticles (Ru-SAA/Ni), creating a highly active HER electrocatalyst. Using a one-pot and scalable synthesis method, we can tune the material composition from SAA, i.e. materials containing atomically dispersed Ru atoms (with ≤0.4 at% Ru) to composite structures in which SAAs coexist with Ru NPs. Comprehensive characterization using XPS, XAS, and TEM confirms Ru-SAA formation at a low Ru content and composite structures at higher contents. Electrochemical evaluations conducted in a three-electrode setup reveal that Ru-SAA/Ni composites achieve HER performance on par with that of Pt/C. Computational insights suggest that water dissociation is significantly faster at the Ru/Ni interface compared with that on extended surfaces. These active sites are thermodynamically as active as basal planes, preventing the excessive accumulation of reaction intermediates (H*, OH*). All these results highlight the synergistic interaction between Ru SAAs and Ru nanoparticles and their potential for large-scale applications with minimal use of precious metals. Finally, the materials are processed and tested in AEMWEs, achieving 1.85 V at 0.5 A cm −2 with a total noble metal loading of only 0.1 mg cm −2 .

Khalil, Gaëlle [Université de Paris (France)]↗

Probing the Surface of Platinum during the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Electrolyte

Understanding the surface chemistry of electrocatalysts in operando can bring insight into the reaction mechanism, and ultimately the design of more efficient materials for sustainable energy storage and conversion. Recent progress in synchrotron based X-ray spectroscopies for in operando characterization allows us to probe the solid/liquid interface directly while applying an external potential, applied here to the model system of Pt in alkaline electrolyte for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). We employ ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) to identify the oxidation and reduction of Pt-oxides and hydroxides on the surface as a function of applied potential, and further assess the potential for hydrogen adsorption and absorption (hydride formation) during and after the HER. In conclusion, this new window into the surface chemistry of Pt in alkaline electrolyte brings insight into the nature of the rate limiting step, the extent of H ad/absorption, and its persistence at more anodic potentials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Determining the hydronium pKα at platinum surfaces and the effect on pH-dependent hydrogen evolution reaction kinetics

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is critical for green hydrogen generation and exhibits distinct pH-dependent kinetics that have been elusive to understand. A molecular-level understanding of the electrochemical interfaces is essential for developing more efficient electrochemical processes. Here we exploit an exclusively surface-specific electrical transport spectroscopy (ETS) approach to probe the Pt-surface water protonation status and experimentally determine the surface hydronium pK a = 4.3. Quantum mechanics (QM) and reactive dynamics using a reactive force field (ReaxFF) molecular dynamics (RMD) calculations confirm the enrichment of hydroniums (H 3 O + * ) near Pt surface and predict a surface hydronium pK a of 2.5 to 4.4, corroborating the experimental results. Importantly, the observed Pt-surface hydronium pK a correlates well with the pH-dependent HER kinetics, with the protonated surface state at lower pH favoring fast Tafel kinetics with a Tafel slope of 30 mV per decade and the deprotonated surface state at higher pH following Volmer-step limited kinetics with a much higher Tafel slope of 120 mV per decade, offering a robust and precise interpretation of the pH-dependent HER kinetics. These insights may help design improved electrocatalysts for renewable energy conversion.

Zhong, Guangyan↗

Reaction Mechanism for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on the Basal Plane Sulfur Vacancy Site of MoS 2 Using Grand Canonical Potential Kinetics

We develop the grand canonical potential kinetics (GCP-K) formulation based on thermodynamics from quantum mechanics calculations to provide a fundamental basis for understanding heterogeneous electrochemical reactions. Our GCP-K formulation arises naturally from minimizing the free energy using a Legendre transform relating the net charge of the system and the applied voltage. Performing this macroscopic transformation explicitly allows us to make the connection of GCP-K to the traditional Butler-Volmer kinetics. Using this GCP-K based free energy, we show how to predict both the potential and pH dependent chemistry for a specific example, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at a sulfur vacancy on the basal plane of MoS2.We find that the rate-determining steps in both acidic and basic conditions are the Volmer reaction in which the second hydrogen atom is adsorbed from the solution. Using the GCP-K formulation, we show that the stretched bond distances change continuously as a function of the applied potential. This shows that the main reason for the higher activity in basic conditions is that the transition state is closer to the product, which leads to a more favorable Tafel slope of 60 mV/dec. In contrast if the transition state were closer to the reactant, where the transfer coefficient is less than 0.5 we would obtain a Tafel slope of almost 150 mV/dec. Based on this detailed understanding of the reaction mechanism, we conclude that the second hydrogen at the chalcogenide vacant site is the most active toward the hydrogen evolution reaction. Using this as a descriptor, we compare it to the other 2H group VI metal dichalcogenides and predict that vacancies on MoTe 2 will have the best performance toward HER.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Evaluating Ru-RuO 2 @BN as a Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for the Nitrogen Reduction Reaction and the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Electrochemical approaches toward clean energy production have been the focus of significant attention. Here, the nitrogen (N 2 ) reduction reaction (NRR) and the hydrogen (H 2 ) evolution reaction (HER) offer a promising method for producing NH 3 and H 2 , respectively. Nevertheless, practical obstacles that must be overcome in creating optimal catalysts are the sluggish kinetics and low selectivity of NRR and HER. Herein, we report on the synthesis of a Ru-RuO 2 -decorated boron nitride (BN) catalyst that shows excellent activity toward NRR. A rate of NH3 formation (V NH3 ) of 16.8 μg h -1 mg -1 and a corresponding Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 52.9% were noted at a potential of −0.5 V in 0.1 M HCl. However, the HER activity of Ru-RuO 2 @BN was found to be highly suppressed in 0.1 M HCl and did not yield a reasonable overpotential value. Thus, the capability of this material toward NRR suggests its viability as a promising catalyst for clean NH 3 production.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Amorphous electrocatalysts for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions: Advances in hydrogen production

The electrochemical splitting of water into oxygen and hydrogen is fundamental for renewable energy storage and conversion. The development of cost-effective and highly efficient electrocatalysts remains essential for industrial-scale implementation of this technology. Recent advances have highlighted the superior activity, stability and structural adaptability of amorphous electrocatalysts compared to their crystalline counterparts. This review critically examines synthesis strategies, characterisation techniques, and the electrochemical performance of amorphous materials for both oxygen evolution (OER) and hydrogen evolution (HER) reactions. Key factors influencing catalytic efficiency, including electronic structure and surface chemistry, are discussed in detail and contextualised with established literature. The review also highlights the critical role of enthalpic contributions in governing reaction energetics and catalyst performance, which aids in understanding and optimising electrocatalytic efficiency. Notably, ongoing research continues to reveal that amorphous catalysts consistently deliver improved performance in water-splitting applications, highlighting their growing relevance in electrocatalysis. The rationale for employing amorphous catalysts in water splitting is articulated, emphasising their unique advantages. By integrating recent findings and outlining future research directions, this review underscores the pivotal role of amorphous materials in advancing sustainable hydrogen production and identifies promising avenues for catalyst innovation.

Amorphous catalysts↗

Co-Mo-P Based Electrocatalyst for Superior Reactivity in the Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Energy efficient hydrogen production via electrochemical and/or photoelectrochemical water splitting holds significant potential for clean and sustainable energy. Toward this end, a significant amount of research has been focused on developing active earth abundant metal catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for use in acidic and alkaline media. Here, we report an earth abundant metal-based catalyst for HER under alkaline conditions. The catalyst consisting of Co, Mo and P had a similar HER activity as the precious metal platinum under the conditions used in the study. The Co-Mo-P catalyst is amorphous and was prepared by room temperature electrodeposition. The best Co-Mo-P catalyst exhibited an overpotential of ~30–35 mV for HER at a geometrical current density of 10 mA cm -2 in an alkaline medium. An amorphous Co-Mo-P model was used to simulate the energetics of HER intermediates with density functional theory (DFT). The DFT study suggests that a Co-Mo center acts as the water-dissociation site enhancing the alkaline medium HER.

catalysis (heterogeneous)↗

The role of alkali metal cations and platinum-surface hydroxyl in the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction

The platinum-catalysed hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) generally shows poorer kinetics in alkaline electrolyte and represents a key challenge for alkaline water electrolysis. In the presence of alkali metal cations and hydroxyl anions, the electrode–electrolyte (platinum–water) interface in an alkaline electrolyte is far more complex than that in an acidic electrolyte. Here we combine electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and an electrical transport spectroscopy approach to probe and understand the fundamental role of different cations (Li + , Na + and K + ) in HER kinetics. Our integrated studies suggest that the alkali metal cations play an indirect role in modifying the HER kinetics, with the smaller cations being less destabilizing to the hydroxyl adsorbate (OH ad ) species in the HER potential window, which favours a higher coverage of OH ad on the platinum surface. Here, the surface OH ad species are highly polar and act as both electronically favoured proton acceptors and geometrically favoured proton donors to promote water dissociation in alkaline media, thus boosting the Volmer-step kinetics and the HER activity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst

Systems and methods for a hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst are provided. Electrode material includes a plurality of clusters. The electrode exhibits bifunctionality with respect to the hydrogen evolution reaction. The electrode with clusters exhibits improved performance with respect to the intrinsic material of the electrode absent the clusters.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst

Systems and methods for a hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst are provided. Electrode material includes a plurality of clusters. The electrode exhibits bifunctionality with respect to the hydrogen evolution reaction. The electrode with clusters exhibits improved performance with respect to the intrinsic material of the electrode absent the clusters.

08 HYDROGEN↗