Synergistic electrocatalysis by Pd nanoparticles on a heterogenized organotellurium framework for HER and dye...

The development of multifunctional nanomaterials is at the forefront of cutting-edge research aimed at addressing global challenges in sustainable energy for clean hydrogen production and environmental remediation. The present study highlights the application of a nanocatalytic system (having Pd nanoparticles immobilized on heterogenized organotellurium compound) in the electrocatalysis of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and catalytic degradation of organic dyes. The graphene oxide support provides a large surface area, while the organotellurium ligand acts as a chelating agent, coordinating strongly with Pd through Te and N donor sites and ensuring uniform nanoparticle dispersion with strong metal-support interactions. The synergistic interaction between Pd and Te enables the nanocatalytic system to perform efficiently and exhibits outstanding HER performance, delivering an overpotential of 163 mV at 10 mAcm^-2 with a low Tafel slope of 53 mV dec^-1 and high ECSA. Moreover, in dye degradation studies, the catalyst provides 99% degradation of MB and 91% degradation of RhB within a short time frame in aqueous media at room temperature.