Construction of multi-layer Pt-based self-supporting catalyst for high-current-density hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

The construction of efficient, durable, and self-supported Pt-based electrodes for industrial-scale hydrogen production presents a primary challenge. Herein, the multi-layer Pt-based self-supporting catalyst Pt-Cu-NiP/FP (Filter Paper) is prepared via mild electroless plating. The construction of the multi-layer structure can provide a large exposed surface area, allowing for more active reactant adsorption. Moreover, porous Pt can efficiently enhance the utilization as well as reduce the amount of Pt. In addition, compared with metal substrates like nickel foam (NF) and copper foam (CF), FP allows for wide-angle bending without obvious current density attenuation during hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which ensures the application in practical operation and transportation. Pt-Cu-NiP/FP exhibits ultralow overpotential 186 mV at 1000 mA cm-2 during the HER in 1 M KOH. Remarkably, Pt-Cu-NiP/FP can maintain stable operation for 100 h at 1 A cm-2. Our findings present an innovative approach for the design of multi-layer Pt-based self-supporting catalysts, enabling stable operation under high current densities with low overpotentials. This is achieved through a well-defined hierarchical structure that leverages a synergistic effect and effectively modulates the coordination environment of Pt through electroless plating.