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Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotube with Doped Co and N Atoms and its Catalytic Applications in Hydrogen Production
Published on: December 6, 2021
Morphology Control of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Catalyst Promoting H2 Mass Transfer
Gaoxin Lin1,2, Anrui Dong1,2, Zhiheng Li1,2
1Center of Artificial Photosynthesis for Solar Fuels and Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou310030, Zhejiang Province, China.
Nano Letters
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Optimizing electrode structure for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is key. 1D nanorod catalysts efficiently release hydrogen bubbles, boosting water electrolyzer performance and stability.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Gas bubble accumulation during the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) impedes mass transfer and limits performance.
- Optimizing electrode microstructures for efficient hydrogen gas (H2) release is crucial for industrial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate NiMo/MoO2-based catalysts with distinct nanostructures (1D nanorod, 2D nanosheet, 3D nanosheet-rod) for enhanced HER.
- To identify the optimal electrode microstructure for improved mass transfer and bubble management.
Main Methods:
- Precise synthesis of NiMo/MoO2 catalysts in 1D nanorod (1D-NR), 2D nanosheet (2D-NS), and 3D nanosheet-rod complex (3D-SR) architectures.
- Characterization of bubble detachment dynamics and electrochemical performance in an anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer.
Main Results:
- The 1D-NR structure demonstrated the fastest bubble detachment time (200 ± 40 ms) and minimal potential fluctuation.
- 1D-NR catalysts effectively managed bubble flow, suppressing unfavorable flow regimes at high current densities.
- Achieved a high current density of 1.87 A cm-2 at 1.8 V, significantly outperforming 2D-NS and 3D-SR catalysts.
Conclusions:
- The 1D nanorod structure is optimal for enhancing mass transfer and bubble release in HER catalysis.
- NiMo/MoO2 1D-NR catalysts offer superior performance and long-term stability (1400 h at 1 A cm-2) for water electrolysis.
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