Stability and Activity of Non‐Noble‐Metal‐Based Catalysts Toward the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction. Issue 33 (10th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ledendecker, Marc; Mondschein, Jared S.; Kasian, Olga; Geiger, Simon; Göhl, Daniel; Schalenbach, Max; Zeradjanin, Aleksandar; Cherevko, Serhiy; Schaak, Raymond E.; Mayrhofer, Karl
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 56:Issue 33(2017)
• Page Start: 9767
• Page End: 9771
• Publication Date: 2017-07-10
• Subjects: ceramics -- electrocatalysis -- hydrogen evolution -- non-noble metals -- water splitting; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201704021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: A fundamental understanding of the behavior of non‐noble based materials toward the hydrogen evolution reaction is crucial for the successful implementation into practical devices. Through the implementation of a highly sensitive inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer coupled to a scanning flow cell, the activity and stability of non‐noble electrocatalysts is presented. The studied catalysts comprise a range of compositions, including metal carbides (WC), sulfides (MoS2 ), phosphides (Ni5 P4, Co2 P), and their base metals (W, Ni, Mo, Co); their activity, stability, and degradation behavior was elaborated and compared to the state‐of‐the‐art catalyst platinum. The non‐noble materials are stable at HER potentials but dissolve substantially when no current is flowing. Through pre‐ and post‐characterization of the catalysts, explanations of their stability (thermodynamics and kinetics) are discussed, challenges for the application in real devices are analyzed, and strategies for circumventing dissolution are suggested. The precise correlation of metal dissolution with applied potential/current density allows for narrowing down suitable material choices as replacement for precious group metals as for example, platinum and opens up new ways in finding cost‐efficient, active, and stable new‐generation electrocatalysts. Abstract : Assessing the activity and stability of non‐noble metals towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for implementation into real devices. The reported active catalysts showed higher stability than their metal counterparts, but dissolution when the electrolyzer is shut down should not be underestimated.