Catalytic activity of graphene-covered non-noble metals governed by proton penetration in electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction

Kailong Hu, Tatsuhiko Ohto (), Yuki Nagata, Mitsuru Wakisaka, Yoshitaka Aoki, Jun-ichi Fujita and Yoshikazu Ito ()
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Kailong Hu: University of Tsukuba
Tatsuhiko Ohto: Osaka University
Yuki Nagata: Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
Mitsuru Wakisaka: Toyama Prefectural University
Yoshitaka Aoki: PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency
Jun-ichi Fujita: University of Tsukuba
Yoshikazu Ito: University of Tsukuba

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Graphene-covering is a promising approach for achieving an acid-stable, non-noble-metal-catalysed hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Optimization of the number of graphene-covering layers and the density of defects generated by chemical doping is crucial for achieving a balance between corrosion resistance and catalytic activity. Here, we investigate the influence of charge transfer and proton penetration through the graphene layers on the HER mechanisms of the non-noble metals Ni and Cu in an acidic electrolyte. We find that increasing the number of graphene-covering layers significantly alters the HER performances of Ni and Cu. The proton penetration explored through electrochemical experiments and simulations reveals that the HER activity of the graphene-covered catalysts is governed by the degree of proton penetration, as determined by the number of graphene-covering layers.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20503-7

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