Browsing by Subject "Nanoparticles"

The development of active, stable, and cost-effective electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is paramount for the large-scale deployment of hydrogen based clean energy technologies. Despite its apparent simplicity, the HER serves as a bridge between fundamental electrocatalysis research and practical catalyst design. Water splitting, a highly efficient and environmentally friendly method for hydrogen production, necessitates a stable, active, and abundant catalysts. While platinum (Pt)-based materials reign supreme in acidic electrolytes for their exceptional HER efficiency and durability, their scarcity and high-cost limit their widespread application. This study introduces a strategy to decrease the Pt loading in the catalyst by developing nanoparticles containing an ultralow Pt loading supported on tungsten oxide (W18O49). Remarkably, the activity of this developed system approaches that of commercially available 20% (wt.) Pt/C catalysts, even with a noble metal content of less than 2 wt.%. Notably, the optimal sample, Pt1.6/W18O49 (containing 1.6 wt.% Pt), demonstrates a superior Tafel slope and requires a mere 46 mV overpotential to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm-2. This work suggests that catalyst design and controlled synthesis can promote the HER and facilitate faster electron transfer even at low Pt loadings. This system exhibits exceptional stability, maintaining its performance for over 24 hours without significant degradation. This synergistic approach, employing minimal Pt supported on a W18O49 matrix, paves the way for addressing real-world challenges in hydrogen production.