Stable PtNb-Nb2O5 heterostructure clusters @CC for high-current-density neutral seawater hydrogen evolution

Powerful, efficient, and corrosion-resistant electrocatalysts are in need to achieve high-current-density neutral seawater hydrogen evolution. Here, a novel strategy through strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) and incorporation of Pt to construct PtNb-Nb2O5 clusters @C was developed with stable high-current-density neutral seawater hydrogen evolution property for the first time. SMSI prevents agglomeration and corrosion of nano-materials. Pt sites were proposed to play an anabranch role by binding H* to stabilize the Nb valence state and prevent water dissociation incapacitation. The optimized PtNb-Nb2O5 @CC delivers low overpotentials of 440 mV (500 mA cm(-2)) and 570 mV (1000 mA cm(-2)) in neutral seawater and has 360 h excellent durability at 500 mA cm(-2). In-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), in-situ Raman spectroscopies and theoretical calculations supported the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) mechanism. PtNb-Nb2O5 heterogeneous interface provided more active sites for water dissociation. OH* adsorbed on Nb sites in stable Nb2O5, and H* adsorbed on Nb sites and desorbed as H-2 on Pt sites in stable PtNb. Overall, this work not only first achieves stable high-current-density neutral seawater hydrogen evolution property, but also opens a new opportunity to explore SMSI and incorporation of Pt to prevent agglomeration, corrosion, and water dissociation incapacitation for catalytic applications under high current densities.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel strategy for constructing stable electrocatalysts for high-current-density neutral seawater hydrogen evolution was developed through strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) and incorporation of Pt. The optimized PtNb-Nb2O5@CC exhibited excellent electrochemical performance and durability, and opened up new opportunities for further exploration of SMSI and Pt incorporation in catalytic applications.