Unraveling and leveraging in situ surface amorphization for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media

Qiang Fu, Lok Wing Wong, Fangyuan Zheng, Xiaodong Zheng, Chi Shing Tsang, Ka Hei Lai, Wenqian Shen, Thuc Hue Ly (), Qingming Deng () and Jiong Zhao ()
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Qiang Fu: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Lok Wing Wong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Fangyuan Zheng: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Xiaodong Zheng: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Chi Shing Tsang: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Ka Hei Lai: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Wenqian Shen: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Thuc Hue Ly: City University of Hong Kong
Qingming Deng: Huaiyin Normal University
Jiong Zhao: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Surface amorphization provides electrocatalysts with more active sites and flexibility. However, there is still a lack of experimental observations and mechanistic explanations for the in situ amorphization process and its crucial role. Herein, we propose the concept that by in situ reconstructed amorphous surface, metal phosphorus trichalcogenides could intrinsically offer better catalytic performance for the alkaline hydrogen production. Trace Ru (0.81 wt.%) is doped into NiPS3 nanosheets for alkaline hydrogen production. Using in situ electrochemical transmission electron microscopy technique, we confirmed the amorphization process occurred on the edges of NiPS3 is critical for achieving superior activity. Comprehensive characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal Ru primarily stabilized at edges of NiPS3 through in situ formed amorphous layer containing bridging S22− species, which can effectively reduce the reaction energy barrier. This work emphasizes the critical role of in situ formed active layer and suggests its potential for optimizing catalytic activities of electrocatalysts.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42221-6

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