Efficient hydrogen evolution via neutral water electrolysis using nanocrystalline TiO₂ electrocatalyst.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Development of non-noble metal electrocatalysts is crucial for green hydrogen production.
• Transition metal oxides are promising for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) in water splitting.
• Efficient electrocatalysts are needed for neutral water conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• Synthesize anatase TiO2 nanoparticles for neutral water HER.
• Investigate the effect of crystallite size on HER performance.
• Evaluate the stability and efficiency of TiO2 nanoparticles as electrocatalysts.

Main Methods:

• Co-precipitation method for TiO2 nanoparticle synthesis.
• Characterization using XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, Raman, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Electrochemical testing in 0.2 M Na2SO4 electrolyte.

Main Results:

• Anatase TiO2 nanoparticles with a crystallite size of 6.94 nm and particle size of 5.80 nm were synthesized.
• The electrocatalyst achieved an overpotential of 470 mV at 10 mA cm-2.
• Stable HER activity was maintained for 50 hours.

Conclusions:

• Optimal crystallite size enhances HER activity in neutral electrolytes.
• TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit rapid charge transfer and reduced band gap energy.
• This study contributes to sustainable green hydrogen production using non-noble metal catalysts.