Plasmon-enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution based on tannic acid–platinum film functionalized gold nanoparticles

Abstract

Enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction based on localized surface plasmon resonance is an ideal way to develop hydrogen energy. Tannic acid–platinum/gold nanocomposites were prepared by simple electrodeposition and self-assembly on ITO conductive glass, and the nanocomposites were subjected to various characterizations as well plasmon-enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction performance tests. The experimental results showed that the nanocomposites exhibited excellent electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction performance. This can be attributed to the promotion of charge transport by Au nanoparticles and the adsorption of H* by oxygen-containing groups in tannic acid. Meanwhile, the cross-linked network of tannic acid provided coordination sites for the binding of platinum, and the introduction of platinum exposed more electrochemically active sites. With the assistance of an external light source, the electrocatalytic performance of tannic acid–platinum/gold was further improved. The excellent enhanced electrocatalytic performance is mainly due to the hot carrier generated by the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of gold nanoparticles to the catalytic surface of platinum, which facilitated the adsorption of intermediates and the charge transfer processes.