Pt nanocluster size effects in the hydrogen evolution reaction: approaching the theoretical maximum activity
Jens Klein, Albert K. Engstfeld, Sylvain Brimaud, R. Jürgen Behm
Abstract
NCs do not only surpass the Pt-mass-specific activity of commercial Pt electrode materials by well above three orders of magnitude, also their exchange current density is located close to the maximum exchange current density for the HER predicted theoretically for transition metal surfaces. The present work provides a strong stimulus for future research towards technically feasible Pt NC catalysts with cluster sizes in the range of few tens of Pt atoms.
Topics & Concepts
PlatinumProton exchange membrane fuel cellHydrogenChemical physicsCatalysisCurrent densityExchange current densityTransition metalNanotechnologyChemistryMaterials scienceElectrodeElectrochemistryPhysical chemistryBiochemistryQuantum mechanicsTafel equationPhysicsOrganic chemistryElectrocatalysts for Energy ConversionFuel Cells and Related MaterialsHybrid Renewable Energy Systems