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Lewis-Acid-Rich ZrO2 as a High-Performance Support for Enabling Hydrogen Spillover for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution.
Qihao Wang1, Hongyue Diao1, Yusen Chen1
1Key Laboratory of Eco-Chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-Chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, 53 Zhengzhou Road, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China.
Inorganic Chemistry
|March 12, 2026
Summary
Engineered osmium on zirconium dioxide catalysts significantly boost hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. This hydrogen spillover strategy offers a cost-effective pathway for efficient hydrogen production.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Hydrogen spillover is a key mechanism for enhancing electrocatalyst activity.
- Developing affordable and efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for clean energy technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize a novel electrocatalyst utilizing hydrogen spillover for improved HER performance.
- To investigate the role of zirconium dioxide support in promoting hydrogen migration and optimizing reaction kinetics.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of osmium nanoparticles supported on zirconium dioxide (Os/ZrO2).
- Electrochemical characterization of Os/ZrO2 in alkaline and acidic electrolytes.
- Mechanistic studies to confirm hydrogen spillover and intermediate desorption energetics.
- Testing in an anion-exchange membrane electrolyzer for hydrogen production efficiency.
Main Results:
- Os/ZrO2 demonstrated superior HER activity compared to commercial Pt/C and Os/C, with low overpotentials (16 mV in alkaline, 14 mV in acidic).
- Mechanistic studies confirmed hydrogen spillover from Os nanoparticles to ZrO2, optimizing adsorption/desorption kinetics.
- The Os/ZrO2||RuO2 electrolyzer achieved a low voltage of 1.82 V at 1 A cm-2 for hydrogen production.
- Hydrogen production cost was reduced to $0.97 per gasoline gallon equivalent.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogen spillover engineering using Os/ZrO2 is an effective strategy for high-performance HER electrocatalysts.
- The Lewis-acidic ZrO2 support enhances water dissociation and hydrogen spillover, leading to improved HER kinetics.
- This approach offers a feasible route for cost-effective and efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen production.
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