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Boosted Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis Using Biomass-Derived Mesoporous Carbon Nanosponges.
Sankar Sekar1,2, Sutha Sadhasivam3, Atsaya Shanmugam1
1Division of System Semiconductor, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 13, 2025
Summary
Biomass-derived activated carbon nanosponges from ginkgo leaves show excellent performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). These metal-free catalysts offer a sustainable and cost-effective approach for efficient green hydrogen production.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Sustainable Energy
Background:
- Carbon-based metal-free catalysts are crucial for cost-effective and sustainable electrocatalysis.
- Biomass-derived porous activated carbon (AC) nanostructures show promise for enhancing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
- Neem and ginkgo leaves offer sustainable precursors due to their inherent porosity and heteroatom content.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate biomass-derived mesoporous activated carbon nanostructures for HER electrocatalysis.
- To investigate the potential of neem and ginkgo leaves as precursors for high-performance HER catalysts.
- To demonstrate the efficiency of ginkgo leaf-derived AC nanosponges in green hydrogen production.
Main Methods:
- Mesoporous activated carbon nanoflakes and nanosponges were synthesized using neem and ginkgo leaves via KOH activation.
- Physicochemical properties were characterized, focusing on morphology and specific surface area.
- Electrocatalytic HER performance was evaluated in 0.5 M H2SO4, measuring overpotential, Tafel slope, and durability.
Main Results:
- Ginkgo leaf-derived AC nanosponges (G-AC) exhibited a sponge-like porous morphology and a high specific surface area (1025 m²/g).
- The G-AC sample demonstrated superior HER electrocatalytic activity.
- Achieved a low overpotential of 26 mV at -10 mA/cm², a Tafel slope of 24 mV/dec, and over 30 hours of durability.
Conclusions:
- Biomass-derived mesoporous AC nanosponges, particularly from ginkgo leaves, are highly effective for HER.
- These materials offer a sustainable and efficient pathway for green hydrogen production.
- The findings contribute significantly to advancing eco-friendly energy solutions through advanced catalysis.
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