Design and Performance of Rh Nanocatalysts for Boosted H2 Generation in Alkaline Media

Abstract

KEYWORDS: Rh-based electrocatalysts, alkaline hydrogen evolution, structure engineering, surface engineering, interface engineering CONSPECTUS: Hydrogen generation from electrocatalytic water splitting is widely regarded as an important energy conversion process based on the high compatibility with clean and renewable energy source. It thus has the potential to achieve the cleanness and sustainability in our society. For the long-time production of highly purified hydrogen for industrial applications, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is preferred to occur under mild working conditions or in alkaline media. However, such practical reaction efficiencies are hindered by the additional water dissociation and multi-step electron transfer. This stems from sluggish kinetics of the HER, two to three orders of magnitude lower than that in acid media. Up to date, Pt is extensively accepted as the symbolic catalyst for the HER, thanks to its appropriate hydrogen adsorption capability. Unfortunately, its activity is not acceptable, due to its poor efficiency for water dissociation in alkaline solution. In this regard, advanced catalysts with both high catalytic activity for water dissociation ability and appropriate hydrogen adsorption capacity are highly pursued.