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

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• High-performance electrocatalysts are crucial for the hydrogen economy.
• Developing efficient catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel high-entropy alloy (HEA) catalyst for enhanced alkaline HER.
• To investigate the catalytic activity and stability of the PtNiCuMnMo HEA.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a dual-phase PtNiCuMnMo high-entropy alloy.
• Electrochemical characterization of HER performance in alkaline media.
• Assessment of catalyst stability and comparison with commercial Pt/C electrodes.

Main Results:

• The PtNiCuMnMo HEA exhibited excellent alkaline HER performance with a low overpotential (44 mV at 10 mA/cm²).
• The catalyst demonstrated remarkable stability, maintaining performance after 72 hours at 200 mA/cm².
• The dual-phase structure enhanced reaction site activity and electron transfer, leading to superior catalytic performance.
• The HEA catalyst outperformed commercial Pt/C electrodes in HER activity.

Conclusions:

• A dual-phase PtNiCuMnMo HEA electrocatalyst offers remarkable activity for hydrogen production.
• This HEA represents a promising material for developing efficient and stable hydrogen evolution catalysts.
• The findings contribute to advancing the development of the hydrogen economy through improved electrocatalysis.