Bioinspired superaerophobic/superhydrophilic patterned electrodes with boosted interfacial mass transport toward...

The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction is a cornerstone for sustainable green hydrogen production. Nevertheless, sluggish interfacial H⁺ supply at the electrode drastically limits electrocatalytic performance at high current densities. Inspired by the rational dense planting paradigm in agriculture, herein, we present the fabrication of a bioinspired hetero-wettability patterned electrode comprising periodically alternating superaerophobic (SAB) Pt nanoarray catalytic stripes and non-reactive superhydrophilic (SHL) channels. Analogous to the inter-row spaces in rational dense planting, the non-reactive SHL channels provide shortened lateral pathways for in-plane H⁺ delivery, thereby reducing the mass-transport resistance imposed by bubble accumulation above the catalytic surfaces. Meanwhile, bubble-detachment-induced electrolyte perturbations and microvortices continuously refresh these channels, enabling sustained H⁺ replenishment to adjacent catalytic regions. Particle image velocimetry measurements directly reveal intensified inward electrolyte flow within the SHL channels, indicating enhanced electrolyte replenishment toward the active sites and H⁺ supply. Owing to these structural merits, the as-engineered electrode delivers a high areal current density of -426 mA cm^-2 at -0.3 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode, which is 1.7 times that of the monolithic SAB Pt electrode, with excellent long-term operational stability. Importantly, this bioinspired patterning strategy is readily extendable to NiMo and CuMo catalytic systems, rendering it a versatile interfacial design strategy for advanced gas-evolving electrocatalysis.