Electrocatalytic Properties of Iron–Sodium Pectate Complexes for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Proton-Exchange Membrane Systems

Abstract

Platinum-free cathodic electrocatalysts of the hydrogen evolution reaction are developed based on iron complexes of sodium pectate. These catalysts are promising for water electrolysis. The catalyst with 25% substitution of iron ions for sodium ions demonstrates the highest efficiency in the hydrogen evolution reaction and can replace platinum with 93% efficiency when used as the cathodic catalyst in water electrolyzers with proton-exchanging membrane at 80°С.