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Exploring the Strain Effect in Single Particle Electrochemistry using Pd Nanocrystals.
Jiao Zhao1, Menglin Wang2, Yu Peng1
1State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|May 24, 2023
Summary
Tensile strain in palladium (Pd) icosahedra significantly boosts hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalytic activity. This single-particle study reveals strain
Area of Science:
- Catalysis
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Tuning catalyst surface strain is key for optimizing catalytic activity.
- Understanding strain effects in electrocatalysis at the single-particle level remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of surface strain on the electrocatalytic activity of single palladium (Pd) nanocrystals for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
- To elucidate the relationship between surface strain and reactivity in heterogeneous electrocatalysis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) to study individual Pd octahedra and icosahedra.
- Focused on nanocrystals with identical {111} facets and comparable sizes to isolate the strain effect.
Main Results:
- Tensilely strained Pd icosahedra exhibited markedly higher HER electrocatalytic activity compared to Pd octahedra.
- The turnover frequency on Pd icosahedra was approximately double that of Pd octahedra at -0.87 V vs RHE.
Conclusions:
- Single-particle electrochemistry confirms the critical role of tensile strain in enhancing electrocatalytic activity.
- Highlights a new strategy for understanding and controlling the fundamental relationship between surface strain and reactivity in nanocatalysts.
