Pt Single-Atoms on Structurally-Integrated 3D N-Doped Carbon Tubes Grid for Ampere-Level Current Density Hydrogen...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Platinum single-atom catalysts (Pt-SACs) show excellent activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
• Achieving high current density with Pt-SACs remains a significant challenge for practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a binder-free cathode for high-performance HER using Pt-SACs.
• To enhance the mass transfer and active site accessibility of Pt-SACs.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of self-standing, superhydrophilic-superaerophobic Pt-SACs cathodes (Pt@N-CTs) by anchoring Pt-SAs via Pt-NxC4-x coordination bonds to 3D nitrogen-doped carbon tubes (N-CTs).
• Utilizing a binder-free approach with a 3D N-CTs array grid structure.

Main Results:

• The 3D Pt@N-CTs cathode achieved a high current density of 1000 mA cm⁻² with an ultralow overpotential of 157.9 mV.
• Demonstrated remarkable long-term stability over 11 days at 500 mA cm⁻².
• The 3D structure with interconnected channels facilitated mass transfer and maximized Pt-SA utilization efficiency.

Conclusions:

• The binder-free Pt@N-CTs cathode design effectively addresses the high current density challenge for Pt-SACs in HER.
• This approach maximizes active site utilization, electrical conductivity, and structural stability, paving the way for efficient hydrogen production.