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Stable Tensile-Strained Pt Single Atomic Layer Catalysts on α-MoC for Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
Yaohui Zhao1,2, Jiapeng Huang1,2, Ke Zhang1
1Frontier Institute of Science and Technology and State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China.
Researchers developed a novel platinum single-atom-layer (Pt SAL) catalyst on α-MoC substrates using a galvanic replacement strategy. This advanced catalyst offers superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance and durability for electrochemical energy applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Developing efficient and cost-effective catalysts is crucial for electrochemical energy storage and conversion.
- Current methods struggle with atomically efficient platinum (Pt) monolayer deposition on nonprecious metals, limiting Pt utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize tensile-strained platinum single-atom-layer (Pt SAL) catalysts on α-MoC substrates.
- To achieve nearly 100% atomic utilization efficiency for cost-effective catalyst design.
- To enhance performance and durability in electrochemical energy conversion, specifically for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
Main Methods:
- Galvanic replacement strategy for synthesizing Pt SAL on α-MoC.
- Density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate interfacial bonding and stability.
- In situ Raman spectroscopy to study dynamic interfacial water restructuring.
Main Results:
- Pt SAL catalysts achieved nearly 100% atomic utilization efficiency and enabled cooperative catalysis.
- Demonstrated superior HER performance with a mass activity of 1.71 A mgPt-1 at 50 mV overpotential, outperforming commercial Pt/C and single-atom catalysts.
- Exhibited remarkable stability with negligible activity decay after 10,000 cycles, attributed to strong Pt-Mo interfacial bonding.
Conclusions:
- The galvanic replacement strategy provides a versatile approach for synthesizing noble metal single-atom-layer (SAL) catalysts.
- Pt SAL/α-MoC catalysts show significant potential for high-performance heterogeneous catalysis and advancing electrochemical energy technologies.
- Optimized reaction energetics and dynamic interfacial water restructuring contribute to enhanced catalytic kinetics and stability.
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