High-Valence Platinum Clusters-Loaded Yttria Nanoparticles as High-Performance Catalysts for Alkaline Hydrogen
Runzi Zhou1, Zhou Chen1, Peng Liao1
1College of Mathematics & Physics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P.R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|December 18, 2025
Summary
Developing efficient electrocatalysts is key for hydrogen production via the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This study presents novel platinum (Pt) clusters on Y2O3 nanoparticles, showing excellent HER activity in alkaline conditions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Efficient hydrogen production is crucial for sustainable energy solutions.
- Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a promising technology.
- High-performance catalysts are essential for advancing HER efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel high-valence platinum chloride-oxide (PtClxOy) clusters as electrocatalysts for HER.
- To investigate the effect of Pt loading and synergistic interactions on catalytic activity.
- To explore the potential of Pt-based nanocomposites for electrochemical energy applications.
Main Methods:
- Ambient impregnation method to disperse PtClxOy clusters on Y2O3 nanoparticle surfaces.
- Synthesis of various PtClxOy/Y2O3 samples with different Pt loadings.
- Electrochemical characterization in alkaline media to evaluate HER activity.
- Density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand catalytic mechanisms.
Main Results:
- PtClxOy clusters were successfully dispersed on Y2O3 nanoparticles with high Pt loading (up to 21.31 wt%).
- The PtClxOy/Y2O3-4 sample (5.84 wt% Pt) demonstrated superior HER activity with a low overpotential of -26 mV at 10 A cm-2.
- Synergistic interactions between Pt clusters, Y2O3, and surrounding O/Cl atoms were identified as key factors influencing hydrogen adsorption energetics.
Conclusions:
- The developed PtClxOy/Y2O3 nanocomposites show significant promise as efficient electrocatalysts for HER.
- Electronic manipulation and synergistic effects play a vital role in enhancing electrocatalytic performance.
- This research contributes to the advancement of catalysts for electrochemical energy technologies.
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