Sub-1 nm Pt nanoclusters on N and P co-doped carbon nanotubes for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

Developing cost-effective Pt-based electrocatalysts for a highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is of paramount significance for future renewable energy. Herein, we report a new strategy to support sub-1 nm Pt nanoclusters on N and P co-doped carbon nanotubes (NP-CNTs). The prepared Pt/NP-CNT catalyst with an average Pt nanocluster size of 0.65 nm and a Pt loading of 1.4 wt% exhibits outstanding HER performance, in terms of negligible onset potential, 25 mV overpotential to reach 10 mA cm⁻², a low Tafel slope of 28 mV dec⁻¹, and excellent durability for more than 20 h without deactivation. This study provides an avenue for designing efficient and cost-effective Pt-based electrocatalysts for the production of high-purity hydrogen energy by water electrolysis.