Optimizing the Volmer Step by Single-Layer Nickel Hydroxide Nanosheets in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction of Platinum

Hydrogen is considered by many to be a promising energy currency, particularly for the transportation sector and for mobile devices. To realize a hydrogen-based fuel economy, hydrogen must be produced in an efficient and sustainable manner. In this article, single-layer nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)(2))-nanosheet-assisted Pt/C catalysis for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an alkaline environment was investigated. The HER activity trajectories of the hybrid catalysts in correlation with the composition and morphology of Ni(OH)(2) were explored in depth. By optimizing the Volmer step through addition of single-layer Ni(OH)(2) into Pt/C catalysis, this hybrid catalyst manifests a 110% increase of the HER activity by using only 20 wt % single-layer Ni(OH)(2) with a lithium ion additive as compared to the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the single layer Ni(OH)(2) behaves superior in adsorption ability of OH- when compared with multilayer Ni(OH)(2). The single layer Ni(OH)(2) contributes to dual improvement on both the Volmer step and the adsorption of OW during HER.