Integration of a Bismuth-Based Tris-Mononuclear Complex with 2D Functional Materials for Highly Efficient and Durable...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• The global shift towards sustainable energy necessitates alternatives to fossil fuels.
• Electrocatalytic water splitting (EWS) is a key technology for hydrogen generation.
• Developing efficient, low-cost electrocatalysts is crucial for EWS, overcoming limitations of noble metals like platinum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate a novel graphene oxide (GO) and mononuclear metal complex (MC) composite as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
• To investigate the potential of this composite for hydrogen generation from river water, addressing freshwater scarcity.
• To explore a facile synthesis method for functional GO-based electrocatalysts.

Main Methods:

• In situ facile synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) and mononuclear bismuth metal complex (MC) composites (BMGO-3,5,7) with varying GO content (3, 5, 7 wt%).
• Electrocatalytic testing in 1 M KOH solution to evaluate hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity, including overpotential and Tafel slope measurements.
• Assessment of the BMGO5 composite's performance for hydrogen evolution from river water splitting.

Main Results:

• The BMGO5 composite demonstrated excellent HER activity.
• Achieved a low overpotential of 105 mV at 10 mA cm⁻².
• Exhibited a low Tafel slope of 44 mV dec⁻¹, indicating efficient hydrogen evolution kinetics.
• Successfully utilized river water for hydrogen generation, highlighting practical applicability.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized BMGO5 composite is a highly efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
• This novel approach utilizing mononuclear metal complexes with graphene oxide offers a promising pathway for sustainable hydrogen production.
• The ability to use river water signifies a significant advancement towards addressing freshwater depletion in renewable energy applications.