Catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction on "metal-free" graphene: key role of metallic impurities. Issue 23 (30th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Lu; Sofer, Zdeněk; Pumera, Martin
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 11:Issue 23(2019)
• Page Start: 11083
• Page End: 11085
• Publication Date: 2019-05-30
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c9nr03557e
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : Molecular hydrogen is widely considered as a potential carbon-free and renewable energy carrier for a sustainable energy strategy. Carbon nanotubes are widely promoted as metal-free catalysts – however, we show that the metallic impurities drive hydrogen production. Abstract : Molecular hydrogen is widely considered as a potential carbon-free and renewable energy carrier for a sustainable energy strategy. The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction is a major pathway to obtain ultra-pure hydrogen, and it vastly relies on the development of inexpensive electrocatalysts. In recent years, graphene has been proposed as a "metal-free" catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction. Here, we showed that metallic impurities are introduced during the synthesis process and these impurities act as the catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction.