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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
06:32
A Simple, Low-cost, and Robust System to Measure the Volume of Hydrogen Evolved by Chemical Reactions with Aqueous Solutions
Published on: August 17, 2016
Manipulating Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction by Constructing Layered Interfacial Water
Weihang Feng1, Ziyi Shen1, Tao Shui1
1School of Material Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|June 16, 2026
Summary
Engineering interfacial water with C60 nanorods boosts hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics in alkaline media. This strategy enhances catalyst performance and stability, offering a new approach for electrocatalysis.
Area of Science:
- Electrocatalysis
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media suffers from sluggish kinetics, hindering efficient hydrogen production.
- The structure of water at the electrocatalytic interface is a key factor, but general strategies to control it are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a general strategy for modulating interfacial water structure to enhance alkaline HER kinetics.
- To investigate the role of C60 nanorod substrates in constructing layered water structures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized C60 nanorod substrates to engineer interfacial water structure.
- Employed in situ characterizations and electrochemical analysis.
- Tested performance with platinum (Pt) based catalysts in an anion exchange membrane cell.
Main Results:
- Constructed a layered water structure at the electrocatalytic interface, facilitating rapid K+-H2O transfer.
- Achieved over 140% increase in exchange current density and 3.19-fold higher turnover frequency for Pt catalysts compared to commercial Pt/C.
- Demonstrated stable operation at 500 mA cm-2 for over 1000 hours.
Conclusions:
- Interfacial water engineering using C60 nanorods is a universal strategy for boosting alkaline HER.
- This approach significantly enhances catalyst performance and durability.
- The findings have broad implications for designing electrocatalysts beyond hydrogen evolution.
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