Metallic-Bonded Pt-Co for Atomically Dispersed Pt in the Co4N Matrix as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Generation

Exploiting highly efficient electrocatalysts toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has a significant role in the mass production of hydrogen energy through water electrolysis. Herein, ginkgo leaf-like Co4N coupled with trace Pt with metallic bond Pt-Co on nickel foam via solvothermal, tannic acid treated, and nitridation procedures for HER (T-Pt-Co4N) is developed. It only requires low overpotentials of 31 mV and 27 mV to achieve 10 mA cm-2 in alkaline and neutral electrolytes, respectively, surpassing the benchmark Pt/C and previously reported values. Moreover, it presents excellent long-term stability in the studied media and also can drive overall water splitting under the assistance of sustainable energies. The specific nanostructure favors the acceleration of the electrocatalytic process by exposing abundant active sites and providing numerous mass transport channels during the catalytic process. Moreover, experimental and theoretical calculation demonstrate that the atomic Pt coordinates with Co to form metallic bond Pt-Co also act as crucial role to boost the electrocatalytic performance by optimizing the reaction kinetics for HER.

Automated summary

This study presents the development of a catalyst, T-Pt-Co4N, based on ginkgo leaf-like Co4N coupled with trace Pt through a metallic bond Pt-Co, for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in water electrolysis. The T-Pt-Co4N catalyst exhibits low overpotentials and excellent long-term stability in alkaline and neutral electrolytes, surpassing benchmark values. It also shows the ability to drive overall water splitting with the assistance of sustainable energies. The unique nanostructure of the catalyst accelerates the electrocatalytic process by providing abundant active sites and mass transport channels. Experimental and theoretical calculations confirm that the metallic bond Pt-Co plays a crucial role in optimizing the reaction kinetics for HER, leading to enhanced electrocatalytic performance.