Modulating Built‐In Electric Field via Variable Oxygen Affinity for Robust Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Neutral Media. Issue 14 (15th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhai, Lingling; She, Xiaojie; Zhuang, Lyuchao; Li, Yanyong; Ding, Ran; Guo, Xuyun; Zhang, Yongqi; Zhu, Ye; Xu, Kun; Fan, Hong Jin; Lau, Shu Ping
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 61:Issue 14(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-02-15
• Subjects: Built-in Electric Field -- Electrocatalysis -- Hydrogen Evolution Reaction -- Metal-Support Interaction -- Work Function; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.202116057
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: Work function strongly impacts the surficial charge distribution, especially for metal‐support electrocatalysts when a built‐in electric field (BEF) is constructed. Therefore, studying the correlation between work function and BEF is crucial for understanding the intrinsic reaction mechanism. Herein, we present a Pt@CoO x electrocatalyst with a large work function difference (ΔΦ) and strong BEF, which shows outstanding hydrogen evolution activity in a neutral medium with a 4.5‐fold mass activity higher than 20 % Pt/C. Both experimental and theoretical results confirm the interfacial charge redistribution induced by the strong BEF, thus subtly optimizing hydrogen and hydroxide adsorption energy. This work not only provides fresh insights into the neutral hydrogen evolution mechanism but also proposes new design principles toward efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen production in a neutral medium. Abstract : The metal–support interaction between Pt and CoO x creates a strong built‐in electric field across the interface and modulates the charge distribution. This electric field subtly optimizes both the hydrogen and hydroxide adsorption energy, boosting the hydrogen evolution reaction in neutral media.