Robust Pt/TiO2/Ni(OH)2 nanosheet arrays enable outstanding performance for high current density alkaline water electrolysis

Herein, we developed a novel and simple strategy to construct Pt-decorated TiO2/beta-Ni(OH)(2) nanosheet arrays that steadily deliver large current densities in alkaline electrolyte. It is of great interest to find that the versatile role of few-layered Ti3C2 endows the unique growth mechanism of Pt/TiO2/beta-Ni(OH)(2). It is worth noting that the interconnected array electrode exhibits noticeable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance, achieving ultralow overpotentials of 107, 145 and 184 mV at high current densities of 500, 1000 and 1500 mA cm(-2), respectively, which outperforms most reported HER electrocatalysts. It requires only 1.95 V to drive 1000 mA cm(-2) towards full water electrolysis along with considerable stability. It is demonstrated for the first time that the synergistic effect of Pt and TiO2/Ni(OH)(2) the enhanced HER performance. This work reports a robust nanoarray support for Pt electrocatalyst to break through its intrinsic barrier in alkaline HER and under large current density.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel and simple strategy to construct Pt-decorated TiO2/beta-Ni(OH)(2) nanosheet arrays was developed. It was found that the few-layered Ti3C2 played a versatile role in the unique growth mechanism of Pt/TiO2/beta-Ni(OH)(2). The interconnected array electrode exhibited remarkable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance at high current densities, outperforming most reported HER electrocatalysts. The synergistic effect of Pt and TiO2/Ni(OH)(2) was demonstrated to enhance the HER performance.