Construction of a 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, a 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 and reduce the amount of Pt. Compared with metal substrates like nickel foam (NF) and copper foam (CF), FP allows for wide-angle bending without obvious current density attenuation during the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which ensures application in practical operation and transportation. Pt–Cu–NiP/FP exhibits an ultralow overpotential of 186 mV at 1000 mA cm⁻² during the HER in 1.0 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 a multi-layer Pt-based self-supporting catalyst, enabling stable operation under high current densities with a low overpotential. This is achieved through a well-defined hierarchical structure that leverages a synergistic effect between Cu and Pt and effectively modulates the coordination environment of Pt through electroless plating.