Unveiling the Mechanisms Ruling the Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction with Mitrofanovite Pt₃Te₄

Abstract

By means of electrocatalytic tests, surface-science techniques and density functional theory, we unveil the physicochemical mechanisms ruling the electrocatalytic activity of recently discovered mitrofanovite (Pt 3 Te 4 ) mineral. Mitrofanovite represents a very promising electrocatalyst candidate for energy-related applications, with a reduction of costs by 47% compared to pure Pt and superior robustness to CO poisoning. We show that Pt 3 Te 4 is a weak topological metal with the invariant, exhibiting electrical conductivity (∼4 × 10 6 S/m) comparable with pure Pt. In hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the electrode based on bulk Pt 3 Te 4 shows a very small overpotential of 46 mV at 10 mA cm –2 and a Tafel slope of 36–49 mV dec –1 associated with the Volmer–Heyrovsky mechanism. The outstanding ambient stability of Pt 3 Te 4 also provides durability of the electrode and long-term stability of its efficient catalytic performances.

Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction with Bulk and Nanostructured Mitrofanovite Pt3Te4

“… ( a ) Tafel slope vs overpotential for Pt 3 Te 4 [ 19 , 20 ], MoTe 2 [ 20 ], Pt film [ 20 ], platinum dichalcogenides [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ], platinum [ 27 ], and Pt/C [ 19 ]. ( b ) Comparison of Tafel plots for different Pt 3 Te 4 crystals.…”

“…The figure is built using data from Refs. [ 19 , 20 ], and the spectra was renormalized to simplify the visualization.…”

“…In particular, mitrofanovite is a recently discovered mineral [ 17 ], which was demonstrated to be a topological metal with spin-polarized surface states, with subsequent capabilities for applications in spintronics [ 18 ]. Nevertheless, recent findings from different groups highlight the huge potential of mitrofanovite for hydrogen production [ 19 , 20 ]. In this Feature Article, the main features of electrocatalysis with mitrofanovite are discussed, with a particular focus on the effects of dimensionality on the catalytic performances.…”

Experimental and Theoretical Insights into Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution over PtCo Nanoalloys Anchored on a Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Matrix

“…14−16 In such circumstances, it is highly preferred to explore more active and stable HER electrocatalysts with low Pt content. 4,17 Alloying Pt with 3d transition metals provides an effective strategy to reduce the Pt usage and improve the intrinsic HER catalysis with greatly increased Pt utilization efficiency. 18−25 Up to now, a series of PtM (M = Co, Ni, Fe, Cu, etc.)…”

“…Clean hydrogen production technology has been one of the most important initiatives to reach carbon neutrality. − Unlike conventional hydrogen production methods (e.g., natural gas re-formation and coal gasification) with heavy carbon footprints, the water electrocatalysis using electricity from renewable energy sources represents a satisfying solution to the issue. − To promote the process of water splitting under overpotential as low as possible, efficient electrocatalysts are required. − Generally, Pt has been regarded as the benchmark catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), due to its proximity to the apex of the HER volcano. , However, pure Pt catalysts usually suffer from prohibitive cost and unsatisfactory durability. − In such circumstances, it is highly preferred to explore more active and stable HER electrocatalysts with low Pt content. , …”