Polyoxometalate-modified platinum enables enhanced hydrogen evolution in buffered electrolytes

Abstract

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under non-extreme pH conditions is attractive but remains kinetically challenging, even for benchmark platinum (Pt) catalysts. Herein, we report that modification with a SiW9 polyoxometalate significantly enhances the HER activity of Pt in near neutral media, as demonstrated in a phosphate-borate buffer (pH 9.2). This enhancement originates from a synergistic co-tuning of the electronic structure and particle size of Pt. This work highlights polyoxometalate modification as an effective strategy for tailoring catalyst properties, enabling efficient HER beyond conventional extreme pH environments.