Monoatomic Platinum-Embedded Hexagonal Close-Packed Nickel Anisotropic Superstructures as Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Catalyst
Jiabao Ding, Yujin Ji, Youyong Li, Guo Hong
Abstract
The rational design of platinum (Pt) based nanostructures with specific crystal structure plays a significant role in their diverse applications. Herein, the anisotropic superstructures (ASs) of monoatomic Pt-embedded hexagonal close-packed nickel (hcp Ni) nanosheets were successfully synthesized for efficient hydrogen evolution in which an unusual dissociation–diffusion–desorption mechanism played a crucial role. The overpotential for the Pt/Ni ASs to reach the specific current density (10 mA cm–2) is 28.0 mV, which is much lower than that of conventional Pt/C catalyst (71.0 mV). Moreover, at the overpotential of 100 mV, the mass activity of 30.2 A mgPt–1 for the Pt/Ni ASs is 1060% greater than that in conventional Pt/C catalyst (2.6 A mgPt–1). This work provides a new approach to synthesize highly anisotropic superstructures embedded with monoatomic noble metals to boost their hopeful applications in catalytic applications.