Modulating Built-In Electric Field via Variable Oxygen Affinity for Robust Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Neutral...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Work function significantly influences surface charge distribution in metal-support electrocatalysts.
• A built-in electric field (BEF) is critical for understanding intrinsic reaction mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between work function and BEF in electrocatalysts.
• To develop an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution in neutral media.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a Pt@CoOₓ electrocatalyst with a large work function difference (ΔΦ).
• Experimental and theoretical analyses to confirm interfacial charge redistribution.
• Evaluation of hydrogen evolution activity in a neutral medium.

Main Results:

• The Pt@CoOₓ electrocatalyst exhibited outstanding hydrogen evolution activity.
• Achieved 4.5-fold higher mass activity compared to 20% Pt/C.
• Demonstrated interfacial charge redistribution induced by a strong BEF, optimizing adsorption energies.

Conclusions:

• The study provides new insights into the neutral hydrogen evolution mechanism.
• Proposes design principles for efficient electrocatalysts for neutral hydrogen production.
• Highlights the importance of work function and BEF engineering.