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Li W, Liu Y, Azam A, Liu Y, Yang J, Wang D, Sorrell CC, Zhao C, Li S. Unlocking Efficiency: Minimizing Energy Loss in Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2404658. [PMID: 38923073 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Catalysts play a crucial role in water electrolysis by reducing the energy barriers for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER). Research aims to enhance the intrinsic activities of potential catalysts through material selection, microstructure design, and various engineering techniques. However, the energy consumption of catalysts has often been overlooked due to the intricate interplay among catalyst microstructure, dimensionality, catalyst-electrolyte-gas dynamics, surface chemistry, electron transport within electrodes, and electron transfer among electrode components. Efficient catalyst development for high-current-density applications is essential to meet the increasing demand for green hydrogen. This involves transforming catalysts with high intrinsic activities into electrodes capable of sustaining high current densities. This review focuses on current improvement strategies of mass exchange, charge transfer, and reducing electrode resistance to decrease energy consumption. It aims to bridge the gap between laboratory-developed, highly efficient catalysts and industrial applications regarding catalyst structural design, surface chemistry, and catalyst-electrode interplay, outlining the development roadmap of hierarchically structured electrode-based water electrolysis for minimizing energy loss in electrocatalysts for water splitting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxian Li
- UNSW Materials and Manufacturing Futures Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Yang Liu
- UNSW Materials and Manufacturing Futures Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Ashraful Azam
- UNSW Materials and Manufacturing Futures Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Yichen Liu
- UNSW Materials and Manufacturing Futures Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jack Yang
- UNSW Materials and Manufacturing Futures Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Danyang Wang
- UNSW Materials and Manufacturing Futures Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Charles Christopher Sorrell
- UNSW Materials and Manufacturing Futures Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Chuan Zhao
- UNSW Materials and Manufacturing Futures Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Sean Li
- UNSW Materials and Manufacturing Futures Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Han Q, Lu Q, Wang X, Wei C, Guan X, Chen L, Wang X, Li J. Atomic-scale Ru anchored on chromium-shavings as a precursor for a pH-universal hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalyst. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:3166-3177. [PMID: 38644769 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh01951a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
In the leather manufacturing industry, the management of substantial quantities of solid waste containing chrome shavings remains a formidable challenge. Concurrently, there is a pressing need for the development of pH-universal and economically viable electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In response to these intertwined challenges, this study proposes an innovative approach wherein the amino groups present on the surface of chrome shavings are utilized to immobilize single ruthenium atoms during pyrolysis, thereby facilitating the synthesis of hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts. The optimized sample, denoted as CN/Cr2O3/Ru-1, demonstrates exceptional electrocatalytic performance, exhibiting an ultra-low overpotential of -28 mV in 1.0 M KOH at a current density of 10 mA cm-2, and it also exhibits good performance in acidic and neutral electrolytes. Importantly, these overpotentials surpass those reported for many previous ruthenium-based catalysts. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate that both oxygen (O) and chromium (Cr) moieties within Cr2O3 can engage in favorable interactions with the coordination patterns of the ruthenium (Ru) atoms, thereby elucidating the synergistic enhancement conferred by the chromium element in CN/Cr2O3/Ru, which ultimately facilitates and promotes the catalytic activity of the ruthenium atoms serving as the catalytic center. This facile synthesis route not only presents a green solution for addressing waste chromium pollutants but also offers a promising avenue for the development of high-performance, cost-efficient electrocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Han
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Qiangqiang Lu
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Xuechuan Wang
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Auxiliary Chemistry and Technology for Chemical Industry, Ministry of Education & Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Industrial Auxiliary Chemistry and Technology, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Chao Wei
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Guan
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Luming Chen
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Xiao Wang
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Ji Li
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi, China.
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Wang M, Langer M, Altieri R, Crisci M, Osella S, Gatti T. Two-Dimensional Layered Heterojunctions for Photoelectrocatalysis. ACS NANO 2024; 18:9245-9284. [PMID: 38502101 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c12274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) layered nanomaterial heterostructures, arising from the combination of 2D materials with other low-dimensional species, feature a large surface area to volume ratio, which provides a high density of active sites for catalytic applications and for (photo)electrocatalysis (PEC). Meanwhile, their electronic band structure and high electrical conductivity enable efficient charge transfer (CT) between the active material and the substrate, which is essential for catalytic activity. In recent years, researchers have demonstrated the potential of a range of 2D material interfaces, such as graphene, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), metal chalcogenides (MCs), and MXenes, for (photo)electrocatalytic applications. For instance, MCs such as MoS2 and WS2 have shown excellent catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution, while graphene and MXenes have been used for the reduction of carbon dioxide to higher value chemicals. However, despite their great potential, there are still major challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of 2D materials for PEC. For example, their stability under harsh reaction conditions, as well as their scalability for large-scale production are important factors to be considered. Generating heterojunctions (HJs) by combining 2D layered structures with other nanomaterials is a promising method to improve the photoelectrocatalytic properties of the former. In this review, we inspect thoroughly the recent literature, to demonstrate the significant potential that arises from utilizing 2D layered heterostructures in PEC processes across a broad spectrum of applications, from energy conversion and storage to environmental remediation. With the ongoing research and development, it is likely that the potential of these materials will be fully expressed in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjiao Wang
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, 10129, Italy
| | - Michal Langer
- Chemical and Biological Systems Simulation Lab, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02097, Poland
| | - Roberto Altieri
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Center for Materials Research (LaMa), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Matteo Crisci
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Center for Materials Research (LaMa), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Silvio Osella
- Chemical and Biological Systems Simulation Lab, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02097, Poland
| | - Teresa Gatti
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, 10129, Italy
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Pan L, Kang X, Gao S, Duan X. HER catalytic activity and regulation of a transition metal atom-anchored BC 3 monolayer: a first-principles study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:1011-1016. [PMID: 38093621 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp04660e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
An atomic-level understanding of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on a transition metal (TM) atom-anchored 2D monolayer is vital to explore highly efficient catalysts for hydrogen production. Here, the catalytic activities and modulation of TM atom (Ti, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ag, Au)-doped BC3 monolayers are investigated by first-principles calculations. Au@BC3 and Fe@BC3 are proven to be potentially excellent HER catalysts. Partial oxidation engineering on Zn@BC3 could improve its performance. Au@BC3 and Ti, Cu and Mo-anchored BC3 with the support of a NbB2 (0001) surface are expected to replace Pt due to the Gibbs free energy changes extremely close to zero. It is revealed that the catalytic activity of the adsorption site is highly related to the degree of charge transfer between the adsorption site and substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Pan
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo-315211, P. R. China.
| | - Xuxin Kang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo-315211, P. R. China.
| | - Shan Gao
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo-315211, P. R. China.
- Laboratory of Clean Energy Storage and Conversion, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiangmei Duan
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo-315211, P. R. China.
- Laboratory of Clean Energy Storage and Conversion, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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A non-two-dimensional van der Waals InSe semispherical array grown by vapor-liquid-solid method for hydrogen evolution. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.107826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Liao W, Yu G, Zhao L, Zhu H, Chen W. Doping P atom with a lone pair: an effective strategy to realize high HER catalytic activity and avoid deactivation under wide H* coverage on 2D silicene and germanene by increasing the structural rigidity. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:10918-10928. [PMID: 35852067 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr02455a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In view of the weak aromatic characteristic resulting from the weak π-bonding ability (different from the analogous graphene), employing two-dimensional (2D) silicene and germanene monolayers could be one of the most promising ways to realize a new type of highly efficient and nonprecious catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the HER activity of pristine silicene and germanene has to be improved, although both of them can exhibit a good change trend. Particularly, the hydrogen phenomenon can occur under moderate or high H* coverage on 2D silicene and germanene. To overcome these bottlenecks, in this study we identify the most effective strategy through doping P with a lone pair to significantly improve the HER catalytic activity under a high H* coverage, by screening a series of IIIA (i.e., B, Al, Ga, In and Tl) and VA (i.e., N, P, As, Sb and Bi) heteroatoms with different electronegativity under detailed DFT calculations. It is revealed that the doped P atoms and almost all the Si/Ge atoms can uniformly serve as highly active sites. Especially, in view of the existence of the lone pair, doping P effectively prevents hydrogenation (even under full H* coverage) by increasing the structural rigidity. Moreover, the P-doping concentration also plays a crucial role in obtaining high HER activity. The relevant mechanisms have been analyzed in detail. Clearly, all these fascinating findings are beneficial for realizing new HER electrocatalysts based on the excellent silicene or germanene nanomaterials, and even other Si/Ge-related materials in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenying Liao
- Engineering Research Center of Industrial Biocatalysis, Fujian Province University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Fujian-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China.
| | - Guangtao Yu
- Engineering Research Center of Industrial Biocatalysis, Fujian Province University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Fujian-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China.
| | - Lusi Zhao
- Engineering Research Center of Industrial Biocatalysis, Fujian Province University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Fujian-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China.
| | - Hu Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Industrial Biocatalysis, Fujian Province University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Fujian-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China.
| | - Wei Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Industrial Biocatalysis, Fujian Province University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Fujian-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
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