Pt quantum dots coupled with NiFe LDH nanosheets for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction at industrial current densities

Abstract

Developing efficient and economical electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation at high current densities is crucial for advancing energy sustainability. Herein, a self-supported hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalyst is rationally designed and prepared on a nickel foam through a simple two-step chemical etching method, which consists of Pt quantum dots (Pt_QDs) coupled with nickel-iron layered double hydroxide (NiFe LDH) nanosheets (named Pt_QDs@NiFe LDH). The characterization results indicate that the introduction of Pt_QDs induces more oxygen vacancies, thereby optimizing the electronic structure of Pt_QDs@NiFe LDH. This modification enhances the conductivity and accelerates the adsorption/desorption kinetics of hydrogen intermediates in Pt_QDs@NiFe LDH, ultimately resulting in exceptional catalytic performance for the HER at large current densities. Specifically, Pt_QDs@NiFe LDH delivers 500 and 2000 mA·cm^-2 with remarkably low overpotentials of 92 and 252 mV, respectively, markedly outperforming commercial Pt/C (η₅₀₀ = 190 mV, η₂₀₀₀ = 436 mV). Moreover, when employing NiFe LDH precursor and the prepared Pt_QDs@NiFe LDH catalyst as the anode and cathode, respectively, in an overall water electrolysis system, only 1.66 V and 2.02 V are required to achieve 500 and 2000 mA·cm^-2, respectively, while maintaining robust stability for 200 h. This study introduces a feasible approach for developing HER electrocatalysts to achieve industrial-scale current densities.

Keywords

Pt quantum dots / electronic structure regulation / NiFe layered double hydroxide / industrial-level current density / hydrogen evolution reaction

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