Porous TiNi₃-based intermetallics as active and robust monolith catalysts for hydrogen evolution

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Electrochemical water splitting is crucial for carbon neutrality, but catalyst limitations hinder industrialization.
• Existing catalysts often lack earth-abundance, cost-effectiveness, activity, and stability at high current densities.
• Developing novel catalysts is essential for efficient hydrogen production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate TiNi3-based intermetallics as porous monolith catalysts (PMCs) for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
• To evaluate the catalytic performance and stability of these PMCs.
• To understand the role of synergistic effects in enhancing HER activity.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of TiNi3-based porous monolith catalysts (PMCs).
• Electrochemical testing of HER performance, including overpotential measurements at high current densities (200 mA cm-2).
• Stability testing in 1 M KOH.
• Theoretical calculations to elucidate the mechanism of enhanced activity.

Main Results:

• TiNi3-based PMCs demonstrated efficient HER performance with an overpotential of 244 mV at 200 mA cm-2.
• The catalysts exhibited excellent stability in 1 M KOH.
• Theoretical calculations revealed a synergistic effect between Nickel (Ni) and Molybdenum (Mo) that enhances HER activity.

Conclusions:

• TiNi3-based PMCs offer a viable strategy for developing efficient and stable electrocatalysts for hydrogen production.
• The synergistic Ni-Mo interaction is a key factor in improving HER performance.
• These findings pave the way for industrial applications of electrochemical water splitting.