All-Round Enhancement of Wide pH Hydrogen Evolution Enabled by Tungsten-Based Amorphous Alloy-Mediated Adjacent
Jianhua Zhang1,2, Kai-Ling Zhou1,2, Yongzheng Zhang3
1Key Laboratory for New Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Electrochemical water splitting based on single-atom catalysts (SACs) offers a sustainable route for hydrogen production. However, conventional SACs suffer from weak synergistic effects in harsh electrolytes. Here, we report a tungsten-based amorphous alloy (FeNiWPB) supported adjacent Platinum single-atom catalyst (PtASSA@FeNiWPB). Spectroscopic and computational analyses disclose that the amorphous W-based alloy matrix provides abundant defect sites to anchor and mediate adjacent Pt atoms, thereby boosting multiple H conversions via metal-metal synergy. Additionally, the catalyst's corrosion resistance is significantly enhanced through the formation of robust M─W bonds (M═Pt, Fe, Ni), which effectively suppress metal leaching across broad pH ranges. Furthermore, the formation of Pt-W/Fe/Ni polarized pairs at the alloy surface via Pt-support interactions induces electron redistribution and accelerates H*/OH* adsorption kinetics, thereby enhancing multiple H2O* dissociation pathways. Consequently, PtASSA@FeNiWPB exhibits ultralow overpotentials of 17 mV (acidic) and 18 mV (alkaline) at -10 mA cm-2, with mass activities 5.8 times (acidic) and 63.6 times (alkaline) higher than commercial Pt/C. Notably, it maintains performance for 600 h in both acidic and alkaline environments, far exceeding W-free counterparts (<50 h) and previous reports, positioning it at the forefront of HER performance. This work establishes a universal strategy for engineering durable electrocatalysts.Electrochemical water splitting based on single-atom catalysts (SACs) offers a sustainable route for hydrogen production. However, conventional SACs suffer from weak synergistic effects in harsh electrolytes. Here, we report a tungsten-based amorphous alloy (FeNiWPB) supported adjacent Platinum single-atom catalyst (PtASSA@FeNiWPB). Spectroscopic and computational analyses disclose that the amorphous W-based alloy matrix provides abundant defect sites to anchor and mediate adjacent Pt atoms, thereby boosting multiple H conversions via metal-metal synergy. Additionally, the catalyst's corrosion resistance is significantly enhanced through the formation of robust M─W bonds (M═Pt, Fe, Ni), which effectively suppress metal leaching across broad pH ranges. Furthermore, the formation of Pt-W/Fe/Ni polarized pairs at the alloy surface via Pt-support interactions induces electron redistribution and accelerates H*/OH* adsorption kinetics, thereby enhancing multiple H2O* dissociation pathways. Consequently, PtASSA@FeNiWPB exhibits ultralow overpotentials of 17 mV (acidic) and 18 mV (alkaline) at -10 mA cm-2, with mass activities 5.8 times (acidic) and 63.6 times (alkaline) higher than commercial Pt/C. Notably, it maintains performance for 600 h in both acidic and alkaline environments, far exceeding W-free counterparts (<50 h) and previous reports, positioning it at the forefront of HER performance. This work establishes a universal strategy for engineering durable electrocatalysts.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:14Aldehydes and Ketones to Alkenes: Wittig Reaction Mechanism
The reaction begins with the nucleophilic addition between a phosphorus ylide and the carbonyl compound. Due to its carbanionic character, phosphorus ylide acts as a strong nucleophile and attacks the electrophilic carbonyl group. This generates a charge-separated dipolar intermediate called betaine. The negatively charged oxygen atom and...
02:17Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...
01:19Aldehydes and Ketones to Alkenes: Wittig Reaction Overview
02:13Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the...