A Fractal-Tip Cu<sub>3</sub>Ni/NiMoO<sub>4</sub> Heterostructure for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution via an Accelerated Volmer–Tafel Mechanism
Mingzhe Li, Y Chen, Xiaofen Wang, Jiahui Zheng, Kepi Chen, Haizhen Xian, Yuzhen Lv, Wei Zhou
Abstract
, promoting water dissociation (H*-*OH). Experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that the interface lowers the energy barrier for water dissociation and increases H* coverage, shifting the reaction mechanism from the Volmer-Heyrovsky pathway to the more efficient Volmer-Tafel route. Furthermore, the fractal-tip structure boosts HER kinetics by amplifying local electric fields, concentrating protons, and accelerating bubble release. This work provides a rational design strategy for improving hydrogen evolution kinetics through combined structural and interfacial optimization.
Topics & Concepts
Dissociation (chemistry)Materials scienceHydrogenTafel equationCatalysisChemical physicsHeterojunctionKineticsChemical engineeringCathodeActivation energyHydrogen productionChemisorptionWater splittingOxygen evolutionChemical kineticsNanotechnologyAmorphous solidOxygenReaction mechanismDesorptionCopperPhysical chemistryChemical energyDensity functional theoryInorganic chemistryHydrogen atomElectrocatalysts for Energy ConversionCopper-based nanomaterials and applicationsCatalytic Processes in Materials Science