Enhanced HOR catalytic activity of PGM-free catalysts in alkaline media: the electronic effect induced by different heteroatom doped carbon supports

A series of Ni-based catalysts consisting Ni nanoparticles and heteroatom (S, N, or B) doped carbon supports were constructed systematically, and further investigated to catalyze the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in alkaline electrolytes. The activity trend was found to follow the sequence of Ni/SC > Ni/NC > Ni/BC. Specifically, benefiting from the optimum anchoring effects and strong metal-support interaction, Ni/SC shows remarkable HOR catalytic performance, which is about 2.9 and 7.7 times higher than that of the dopant-free counterpart, Ni/C, in terms of specific activity and mass activity, respectively.