Strain-engineered Pt-Ni(OH)2 catalyst via a nickel boride intermediated method for high-current-density hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

Efficient hydrogen generation via electrochemical splitting of water at elevated current densities is paramount for its market implementation. Yet, cathodic hydrogen generation, in practical applications, encounters issues such as polarization, which result in energy consumption and sluggishness, thereby limiting its further utilization. In light of this, we have proposed a method for preparing a self-supported Pt-Ni(OH)₂ catalyst-(Pt-Ni(OH)₂/NF). Specifically, by employing NaBH₄ pretreatment on nickel species to form NiB and Ni₂B an intermediate, a significant improvement in catalytic performance has been achieved, especially at high current density. The replacement reaction of nickel boride with H₂PtCl₆ generates rigid strain, leading to the Ni(OH)₂ lattice shrinkage. Upon testing, this catalyst requires only a minimal overpotential of 3 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm⁻², and it achieved an industrial current of 500 mA cm⁻² with only 94 mV overpotential. Moreover, even after a 7-day longevity test at 200 mA cm⁻², it still maintained excellent performance.