Nanoscale CuTe electrocatalyst immobilized at conductor surface for remarkable hydrogen evolution reaction. (25th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khan, Qudrat Ullah; Ishaq, Muhammad Waqas; Begum, Nabila; Khan, Karim; Khan, Ubaid; Khan, Ayesha Tareen; Din, Muhammad Aizaz Ud; Idrees, Muhammad; Zhu, Ling
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 36(2021)
• Page Start: 18729
• Page End: 18739
• Publication Date: 2021-05-25
• Subjects: Water splitting -- Hydrogen generation -- Metal tellurides -- Nano-materials -- Clean energy; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.03.031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Hydrogen generation from electrocatalytic water splitting is of supreme significance for resolving energy crisis and environmental concerns. However, developing earth-abundant, efficient, and durable electrocatalyst for high-performance hydrogen evolution and complete water splitting catalysis is a rare instance. We present here the first demonstration of unique copper tellurides nano-structures (CuTe-NS) based electrocatalyst executing HER with high activity and remarkable stability. CuTe-NS based electrocatalysts grown over conductive NiF via drop-casting approach and employed for HER, while achieving a current decade and a current density of 100 mA/cm 2 just at 0.25 V vs. RHE and 0.27 V vs. RHE, which is comparable to the benchmark Pt/C based HER catalyst. The catalyst demonstrates well-balanced kinetic behavior, low Tafel slope of 36 mV/dec, low charge transfer resistance of 1.71 Ω, high roughness factor, and remarkable stability for more than 60 h of electrolysis. Furthermore, post-catalysis characterizations demonstrate no change in catalyst integrity, morphological, and structural attributes even after many hours of electrolysis which show sustainable behavior of catalyst for long term HER activity. Because of electrochemical and structural stabilities after long term electrolysis experiments, accessible method of preparations, and cost-effectiveness, the catalysis is highly encouraging for real-life applications. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: One-pot synthesis of nanoscale CuTe-NS. CuTe-NS deposited over NiF, Au, and FTO electrode for efficient HER catalysis. Low Tafel slope of 36 mV/dec and high exchange current density. Remarkable stability for more than 60 h of electrolysis. Significant activity for complete water splitting reaction.