Rationally engineered active sites for efficient and durable hydrogen generation

Yurui Xue (), Lan Hui, Huidi Yu, Yuxin Liu, Yan Fang, Bolong Huang (), Yingjie Zhao, Zhibo Li and Yuliang Li ()
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Yurui Xue: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Lan Hui: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Huidi Yu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yuxin Liu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yan Fang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Bolong Huang: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Yingjie Zhao: Qingdao University of Science and Technology
Zhibo Li: Qingdao University of Science and Technology
Yuliang Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract The atomic-level understanding of the electrocatalytic activity is pivotal for developing new metal-free carbon electrocatalysts towards efficient renewable energy conversion. Here, by utilizing the amidated-carbon fibers, we demonstrate a rational surface modulation strategy on both structural and electronic properties, which will significantly boost the hydrogen evolution reaction activity of electrocatalysts. Theoretical calculations reveal the amidation decorated surface will promote significantly more 2D electrons towards the localization at the C=O branch. The modified surface displays a self-activated electron-extraction characteristic that was actualized by a fast reversible bond-switching between HO-C=Ccatalyst and O=C-Ccatalyst. Experimentally, this metal-free electrode exhibits outstanding hydrogen evolution reaction activities and long-term stabilities in both acidic and alkaline media, even surpassing the commercial 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst. Thus, this strategy can extend to a general blueprint for achieving precise tuning on highly efficient electron-transfer of hydrogen evolution reaction for broad applications under universal pH conditions.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10230-z

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