Research (Jan 2020)

Intermetallic Cu5Zr Clusters Anchored on Hierarchical Nanoporous Copper as Efficient Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

  • Hang Shi,
  • Yi-Tong Zhou,
  • Rui-Qi Yao,
  • Wu-Bin Wan,
  • Qing-Hua Zhang,
  • Lin Gu,
  • Zi Wen,
  • Xing-You Lang,
  • Qing Jiang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.34133/2020/2987234
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2020

Abstract

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Designing highly active and robust platinum-free electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction is vital for large-scale and efficient production of hydrogen through electrochemical water splitting. Here, we report nonprecious intermetallic Cu5Zr clusters that are in situ anchored on hierarchical nanoporous copper (NP Cu/Cu5Zr) for efficient hydrogen evolution in alkaline medium. By virtue of hydroxygenated zirconium atoms activating their nearby Cu-Cu bridge sites with appropriate hydrogen-binding energy, the Cu5Zr clusters have a high electrocatalytic activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction. Associated with unique architecture featured with steady and bicontinuous nanoporous copper skeleton that facilitates electron transfer and electrolyte accessibility, the self-supported monolithic NP Cu/Cu5Zr electrodes boost violent hydrogen gas release, realizing ultrahigh current density of 500 mA cm-2 at a low potential of -280 mV versus reversible hydrogen electrode, with exceptional stability in 1 M KOH solution. The electrochemical properties outperform those of state-of-the-art nonprecious metal electrocatalysts and make them promising candidates as electrodes in water splitting devices.