Frank Partial Dislocations in Coplanar Ir/C Ultrathin Nanosheets Boost Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

Developing highly active and stable acidic hydrogen evolution catalysts is of great significance and challenge for the long‐term operation of commercial proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. In this work, coplanar ultrathin nanosheets composed of rich‐Frank partial dislocations (FPDs) are first synthesized. Ir nanoparticles and carbon (Dr‐Ir/C NSs) use a nonequilibrium high‐temperature thermal shock method (>1200 °C) and KBr template‐assisted techniques. Dr‐Ir/C NSs exhibit excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance with a remarkably high mass activity of 6.64 A mg−1 at 50 mV, which is among the best Ir‐based catalysts.In addition, Dr‐Ir/C NSs are able to operate stably at 1.0 A cm−2 for 200 h as a cathode in a PEM electrolyser, and the original coplanar ultrathin nanosheets structure are maintained after the test, demonstrating excellent stability against stacking and agglomeration. Geometrical phase analysis and theoretical calculations show that the FPDs produce a 4% compressive strain in the Dr‐Ir/C NSs, and the compressive strain weaken the adsorption of H* by Ir, thus increasing the intrinsic activity of the catalyst.

Ultrafast micro/nano-manufacturing of metastable materials for energy

“…This non-equilibrium kinetic process under extreme conditions exhibits ultrahigh energy conversion efficiency, high local temperature and a wide temperature range, which is beneficial for the synthesis of well-dispersed, uniform, stable and ultrafine-sized crystalline or metastable nanocatalysts and assemblies in an instant synthesis process. HTS induces abundant defects and heterointerfaces within nanocatalysts, which can not only generate rich catalytic sites and metastable phases, but also enhance the chemical bond between nanocatalysts and substrates, improving their mechanical stability due to the ultrahigh reducing temperature [ 46 ].…”

Electronic modulation by interfacial bridging between Ir nanoparticle and metal–organic framework to enhance hydrogen evolution

“…Relative to Pt, Pd and Ru, Ir exhibits superior catalytic performance in HER due to its distinctive chemical and physical attributes, even when used in very small amounts. 25–27 Ir exhibits higher corrosion resistance and chemical stability, making it particularly suitable for alkaline environments. 28–30 These characteristics make iridium an ideal candidate for enhancing HER efficiency while reducing the overall cost and quantity of catalyst used.…”

Hollow Bimetallic Cobalt-Based Selenide Polyhedrons for Efficient Hydrogen Production in Practical PEM Electrolysis

“…2 Among the various methods of hydrogen production, proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis stands out as a highly promising technology for large-scale hydrogen production at present. 3 Considering the requirement of maximizing proton availability in PEM electrolysis, the development of highly efficient and stable acidic HER catalysts holds promising commercial prospects. 4 Although the electrocatalytic activity of precious metal catalysts such as Pt has been proven in the HER, their extensive use in industries is impeded by their restricted reserves, easy corrosion in the acidic HER, and exorbitant expenses.…”

“…The utilization of renewable energy sources for water electrolysis and solar energy photocatalysis in the course of hydrolysis offers promising avenues for the production of hydrogen in a sustainable manner . Among the various methods of hydrogen production, proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis stands out as a highly promising technology for large-scale hydrogen production at present . Considering the requirement of maximizing proton availability in PEM electrolysis, the development of highly efficient and stable acidic HER catalysts holds promising commercial prospects .…”