Efficient dual-phase PtNiCuMnMo high-entropy alloy electrocatalyst for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction

The realisation of high-performance cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is of considerable importance for the development of the nascent hydrogen economy. Herein, we develop a dual-phase PtNiCuMnMo high-entropy alloy (HEA) showing excellent alkaline HER performance with an overpotential of as low as 44 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm². Additionally, the PtNiCuMnMo HEA catalyst maintains stability after 72 h at a current density of 200 mA/cm². This catalyst comprises two phases, resulting in enhanced activity of reaction sites, accelerated electron transfer and thereby excellent catalytic performance. The excellent HER performance of the PtNiCuMnMo HEA catalyst is verified based on its adsorption and charge transfer energies. Furthermore, the prepared PtNiCuMnMo HEA catalyst considerably outperforms commercial Pt/C electrodes. Overall, this study develops a dual-phase HEA electrocatalyst with remarkable activity for hydrogen production.