Biomass derived carbon/platinum nanoparticles as electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Green hydrogen is crucial for sustainable energy and net-zero emissions.
• Platinum-based catalysts are vital for efficient hydrogen production via water electrolysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a green, economic, and efficient synthesis method for platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) on a biomass support.
• To evaluate the electrocatalytic activity of the synthesized Pt NPs for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

Main Methods:

• Microwave-assisted citrate method for Pt NP synthesis on a biomass support.
• Characterization using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.
• Electrocatalytic activity assessment via cathodic linear polarization and impedance spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Highly stabilized and dispersed Pt NPs were successfully synthesized.
• The catalyst exhibited high performance for HER with an exchange current density of 5.3 mA/cm² and activation energy of 38.13 kJ/mol.
• Impedance spectra confirmed high electrocatalytic activity through decreased resistance with increasing overpotential.

Conclusions:

• The synthesis method is green, economic, and efficient for producing precious metal catalysts.
• The prepared Pt NPs show significant potential for applications in hydrogen evolution reaction and sustainable energy.
• The HER follows a Volmer/Tafel mechanism with a reaction order of unity.