EDTA-Mediated Electrodeposition of Ag–Ni Dual-Atom on the Cu Substrate for Enhanced Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution

Dual-atom catalysts (DACs) are designed to enhance catalytic activity through synergy among adjacent heteroatoms. Herein, we report the synthesis of an CuAg₁Ni₁–DAC, where AgNi dual atoms are complexed with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and electrodeposited onto a copper nanoparticles deposited on copper substrates. The presence of AgNi dual atoms was confirmed by electron energy loss spectrometer and high-angle annular dark field–scanning transmission electron microscopy. CuAg₁Ni₁-DAC showed outstanding catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline electrolytes, needing merely 69 mV overpotential to reach a current density of 10 mA cm^–2. Notably, its performance outperformed that of commercial Pt/C at a current density of 200 mA cm^–2, and it demonstrated excellent stability over a period of 120 h. This work uncovers a new method for producing DACs, demonstrating their potential applications in electrocatalytic HER.