Tuning the Electronic Properties of Platinum in Hybrid-Nanoparticle Assemblies for use in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Platinum is the best electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, we demonstrate that by contact electrification of Pt nanoparticle satellites on a gold or silver core, the Fermi level of Pt can be tuned. The electronic properties of Pt in such hybrid nanocatalysts were experimentally characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with the probe molecule 2,6-dimethyl phenyl isocyanide (2,6-DMPI). Our experimental findings are corroborated by a hybridization model and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Finally, we demonstrate that tuning of the Fermi level of Pt results in reduced or increased overpotentials in water splitting.

Automated summary

We demonstrate that the Fermi level of Pt can be tuned by contact electrification of Pt nanoparticle satellites on a gold or silver core. The electronic properties of Pt in such hybrid nanocatalysts were experimentally characterized by XPS and SERS with the probe molecule 2,6-DMPI. Our experimental findings are supported by a hybridization model and DFT calculations. Finally, we show that tuning of the Fermi level of Pt leads to reduced or increased overpotentials in water splitting.