Atomic size mismatch induced consecutive compressive strain on intermetallic compound towards boosted hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Modulating lattice strain in intermetallic compounds could effectively alter their electronic structure and binding energy, thus impacting catalytic activity. Strain is usually induced through lattice mismatch, achieved by constructing core‐shell nanostructures or metal‐substrate interfaces with complex reciprocity and distractors. However, in situ induced strain without interface‐construction or lattice mismatch presents challenges. In this study, we precisely manipulate consecutive compressive strain from −0.5% to −0.8% in CoPt3Pd intermetallic compound by inducing interior atomic radius mismatch. Precise strain control results in a negative shift of d‐band center, dynamic charge distribution, and facilitates water dissociation, leading to enhanced electrocatalytic activity. The CoPt3Pd catalyst with −0.5% compressive strain exhibits exceptional hydrogen evolution activity, with an overpotential of 169 mV at 1 A cm−2. Our approach offers a straightforward method to manipulate compressive strain on intermetallic compounds by atomic size mismatch, with broad implications for catalytic processes.