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Ir Single Atom Catalyst Loaded on Amorphous Carbon Materials with High HER Activity
Chunxiang Liu1, Ganghuo Pan1, Nianjie Liang1
1School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|March 10, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a highly efficient iridium single-atom catalyst (SAC) for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This novel catalyst demonstrates superior activity and stability compared to commercial alternatives, advancing renewable energy solutions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Efficient water splitting catalysts are crucial for a sustainable energy economy.
- The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a key process in water splitting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize a high-efficiency HER catalyst.
- To investigate the performance of single-atom catalysts (SACs) anchored on a novel carbon support.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a polyhexaphenylbenzene-derived carbon material.
- Anchoring iridium single atoms onto the carbon support.
- Electrocatalytic testing for HER activity and stability.
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations.
Main Results:
- The Ir SAC exhibited significantly higher electrocatalytic activity and stability than commercial Pt/C and Ir/C catalysts.
- An overpotential of only 17 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² was achieved.
- Ultra-high mass activity (51.6) and turnover frequencies (171.61 s⁻¹) were recorded.
- DFT calculations highlighted the importance of carbon coordination around the Ir center.
Conclusions:
- The developed Ir SAC offers a promising alternative for efficient hydrogen production.
- The novel carbon material provides a versatile platform for synthesizing various single-atom catalysts.
- This research contributes to the advancement of catalysts for industrial applications.
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