Two-Dimensional Ni-BPDC MOF nanosheets supported low-Pt catalyst for high-performance hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Faced with global energy crisis and environmental pollution caused by excessive fossil fuel consumption, electrolytic decomposition of water represents a highly viable method for generating hydrogen. However, the substantial overpotential associated with the hydrogen evolution reaction calls for highly effective electrocatalytic materials. Herein, Pt/Ni-BPDC composite electrocatalysts were fabricated by loading Pt nanoparticles onto two-dimensional Ni-BPDC metal-organic framework nanosheets through a two-step solvothermal approach. The Pt nanoparticles display an average size of approximately 2 nm and a loading content of 1.29 wt%. Electrochemical tests demonstrate exceptional performance: The catalyst delivers a low overpotential of 25 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm -2 , exhibits a favorable Tafel slope of 36.7 mV per dec -1 , and maintains outstanding operational stability over a continuous 48 hour period-its overall electrocatalytic performance closely rivals that of benchmark commercial Pt/C. Density functional theory calculations indicate that charge rearrangement between Pt and the support optimizes water adsorption and hydrogen intermediate Gibbs free energy of -0.34 eV, boosting inherent catalytic performance. This strategy offers an effective pathway for developing low Pt loading and high-activity electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction.