Pt–O Heterointerface Enhanced the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract The Pt 0 was generally considered the most efficient species for water splitting for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. Recently, platinum oxides have also been demonstrated as potential HER catalysts, but lack observation under the states after the catalytic reaction. In this report, we have constructed the Pt oxides cluster with an average size of 0.94 nm on the surface of hydroxylated carbon nanotubes (PtO‐CNT) through the atomic layer deposition technology. The HER electrocatalytic tests of PtO‐CNT exhibited higher current density and mass activities than commercial Pt/C with 0.10, 0.44, and 1.48 A mg −1 Pt. The quasi‐situ X‐ray absorption fine structure spectrum and theoretical calculation revealed the C–O–Pt interfaces modulated the Pt nanoparticles, making them more active than metallic Pt.