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Harnessing Work Function Modulation for Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis in Mesoporous Bimetallic Pt-M Alloys: The Role
Lei Fu1,2, Yunqing Kang2, Ho Ngoc Nam2
1Center of Nanomaterials for Renewable Energy, State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China.
Summary
This study explores how mesoporous platinum-metal (Pt-M) alloys affect the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Tailoring the work function (WF) of these alloys, particularly Pt-Ru, significantly enhances HER catalytic activity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Work function (WF) is critical for electron transport and intermediate adsorption in electrocatalysis, particularly for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
- The influence of mesopores and the composition-WF relationship in pristine Pt-based alloys for HER remain underexplored.
- Efficient electrocatalysts are crucial for optimizing charge balance and catalytic performance in HER.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between composition, mesoporous structure, and work function (WF) in binary Pt-M alloy films.
- To understand how these factors influence the catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
- To provide insights into the rational design of highly efficient electrocatalysts with tunable WFs.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of various mesoporous binary Pt-M alloy films (m-Pt-M, M = Pd, Rh, Ru) with controlled porosity and elemental distribution.
- Experimental investigation of the influence of composition and mesoporous structure on the work functions of the synthesized catalysts.
- Evaluation of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance of the m-Pt-M catalysts in alkaline media.
Main Results:
- The work functions (WFs) of mesoporous Pt-M (m-Pt-M) catalysts are significantly affected by their composition and mesoporous architecture.
- A tailored WF in m-Pt-Ru catalysts was found to reduce the thermodynamic energy barrier and accelerate kinetic processes for HER.
- The m-Pt-Ru catalyst exhibited a mass activity 17.8× higher than Pt black and 5.1× higher than m-Pt in alkaline media.
Conclusions:
- Mesoporous binary Pt-M alloy films offer a platform for studying the WF-HER activity relationship.
- Tuning the work function through composition and mesostructure is an effective strategy for designing high-performance HER electrocatalysts.
- The developed fabrication method and findings contribute to the rational design of efficient electrocatalysts for HER.
