Why do platinum catalysts show diverse electrocatalytic performance?

As one of the best electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction, platinum catalysts are a benchmark for the performance evaluation of new catalysts. However, platinum catalysts reported in the literature show diverse electrocatalytic performances, resulting in the lack of a common reference standard. In this study, we investigated several factors that affect the performance of platinum catalysts by performing experimental measurements and data processing. These factors included the solution resistance, electrolyte temperature, loading quantity, catalyst microstructure, and normalization method of the current density. Finally, we recommended criteria for the performance evaluation of electrocatalysts.