Synergistically enhanced hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis by in situ exsolution of metallic nanoparticles on perovskites

Abstract

We report a smart and effective approach to construct nano-sized metal/perovskite hybrids by a facile exsolution process as highly active electrocatalysts towards the alkaline HER. Ni nanoparticle (NP)-decorated La_0.4Sr_0.4Ti_0.9O_3−δ perovskite (e-LSTN) with an intimate interface, representing a novel prime example of such hybrid catalysts, can synergistically catalyze the HER in basic media whereby La_0.4Sr_0.4Ti_0.9O_3−δ (LST) promotes water dissociation and Ni NPs (∼30 nm) enable favorable hydrogen adsorption for recombination into H₂. This work not only brings about a cost-effective HER electrocatalyst, but also more generally opens up new vistas for developing more advanced materials for various applications in the future.