Rationally Modulating the Functions of Ni3Sn2‐NiSnOx Nanocomposite Electrocatalysts towards Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Based on the understanding of intrinsic properties of the catalyst and the interactions with all pertinent intermediates, an efficient Ni₃Sn₂-NiSnO _x electrocatalyst was designed and proven to realize mutual coordination among functions of active sites on the efficient dissociative adsorption of water, the easy desorption of OH⁻, and the facile hydrogen-hydrogen bond formation concurrently, leading to significantly boosted alkaline HER kinetics.

Abstract

Identifying electrocatalysts with functions of easy dissociation of water, rapid transformation of hydroxyl and facile hydrogen-hydrogen bond formation are indispensable while challenge for realizing efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, we presented the design of Ni₃Sn₂-NiSnO _x nanocomposites towards addressing this challenge. We showed that Ni₃Sn₂ possessed ideal hydrogen adsorption and low hydroxyl adsorption abilities and NiSnO _x facilitated water dissociation and hydroxyl transfer process, respectively. Consequently, the fine-tuned interplay of the two functional parts realized the mutual coordination among the multiple functions and led to significantly boosted HER kinetics. Current densities of 10 and 1000 mA cm⁻² were obtained at overpotentials of 14 and 165 mV on the optimized catalyst. This work highlights the significance of considering intrinsic interactions between active sites and all pertinent intermediates on obtaining promising electrocatalysts.

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