Promoted Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Kinetics by Anchoring Pt Nanoparticles on a Conductive Ti₄O₇ Support

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Efficient noble metal utilization is crucial for acidic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysis.
• Challenges include maintaining rapid electron transport and long-term durability.
• Conductive oxide supports can potentially improve catalyst performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly efficient and durable platinum catalyst for the acidic HER.
• To investigate the active electronic role of a conductive oxide support.
• To optimize noble metal loading for cost-effective catalysis.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Magneli phase Ti4O7 support via hydrogen reduction of TiO2(B).
• Preparation of platinum nanoparticles supported on Ti4O7 (Pt/Ti4O7).
• Electrochemical characterization (HER performance, charge-transfer resistance) and spectroscopic analysis.

Main Results:

• The Ti4O7 support exhibits mixed Ti3+/Ti4+ valence states and high electrical conductivity.
• Strong electronic coupling between Pt and Ti4O7 was observed, reducing charge-transfer resistance.
• Optimized 3 wt% Pt/Ti4O7 catalyst achieved a low overpotential (13 mV at 10 mA cm-2) and sustained activity over 100 hours.

Conclusions:

• Conductive oxide supports actively regulate interfacial electron transfer and reaction kinetics.
• Pt/Ti4O7 offers a viable strategy for low noble metal loading and high-performance HER catalysts.
• This approach enhances noble metal utilization and catalyst durability.