Bamboo fiber-derived carbon support for the immobilization of Pt nanoparticles to enhance hydrogen evolution reaction

Biomass-derived carbon, as an excellent support, has received extensive attention. In this work, carbon matrix obtained from bamboo fiber (BF) is served as a supporting material for the immobilization of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles, leading to a substantial improvement in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This approach leverages the remarkable surface area, outstanding conductivity, and environmentally friendly characteristics of BF-derived carbon, facilitating the dispersion and stability of the Pt nanoparticles. The as-fabricated catalysts deliver an outstanding HER performance, with overpotentials of 14.6, 46.9, and 73.5 mV at current densities of 10, 50, and 100 mA cm⁻² in acidic solution, respectively. Theoretical calculations reveal that the interaction between Pt and nitrogen atoms in the support material further enhances the electrocatalytic performance. This interaction strengthens the binding of Pt, leading to the improved stability and activity of the catalyst, which subsequently boosts the efficiency of the electrocatalytic process. These findings underscore the superior HER performance of the enhanced catalyst, highlighting the potential of sustainable, biomass-derived materials in advancing catalytic applications.