Platinum Single Atoms Supported on Nanoarray-Structured Nitrogen-Doped Graphite Foil with Enhanced Catalytic...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Platinum single-atom catalysts (SACs) show promise for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
• Enhancing the catalytic efficiency and durability of Pt SACs is crucial for practical applications.
• Novel substrate designs are needed to optimize Pt SACs performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a nanoarray-structured nitrogen-doped graphite foil (NNGF) substrate for supporting platinum single-atom catalysts (Pt SACs).
• To investigate the impact of the NNGF substrate on the performance of Pt SACs in HER.
• To achieve enhanced catalytic efficiency and long-term durability for HER.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a nanoarray-structured nitrogen-doped graphite foil (NNGF) substrate.
• Immobilization of platinum single-atom catalysts (Pt SACs) onto the NNGF substrate, forming Pt-N4 sites (Pt1/NNGF).
• Electrochemical characterization of the Pt1/NNGF electrode for HER performance evaluation.

Main Results:

• The NNGF substrate enhances active site exposure and improves reaction/diffusion kinetics.
• The Pt1/NNGF electrode demonstrates a low overpotential of 0.023 V at 10 mA cm-2.
• Achieved a small Tafel slope of 29.1 mV dec-1 and excellent long-term durability.

Conclusions:

• The nanoarray-structured NNGF substrate effectively supports Pt SACs for highly efficient HER.
• The double-layer structure of NNGF provides conductivity, stability, and flexibility.
• The developed Pt1/NNGF electrode represents a significant advancement in HER catalysis.