Microwave quasi-solid-state-constructed low-content Pt on CeO2 with strong electronic interactions for efficient electrocatalytic acidic overall water splitting

Defective engineering is crucial for developing extremely effective electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, low-content platinum (Pt) loaded onto cerium dioxide (CeO₂) cubes with oxygen vacancies (O_V) was developed via an ultrafast microwave quasi-solid-state approach (Pt/CeO₂-O_V) within 60 s. The turnover frequency (TOF) and mass activity verify that the Pt/CeO₂-O_V sample demonstrates favorable HER activity owing to the generated O_V and the introduction of Pt, which reduce electrical resistance and enhance metal–support electronic interactions. The as-synthesized Pt/CeO₂-O_V sample demonstrates a low overpotential of 10 mV to reach 10 mA cm⁻² coupled with a small Tafel slope of 25.6 mV dec⁻¹ in 0.5 M H₂SO₄, while also exhibiting remarkable long-term stability. This research paves the way for developing catalysts with exceptional catalytic activity and stability, holding promise in advanced green energy conversion through defect engineering and strong electronic interaction.