Strain-engineered Pt-Ni(OH)2 catalyst via a nickel boride intermediated method for high-current-density hydrogen evolution reaction

Efficient hydrogen generation via electrochemical splitting of water at elevated current densities is paramount for its market implementation. Yet, cathodic hydrogen generation, in practical applications, encounters issues such as polarization, which result in energy consumption and sluggishness, thereby limiting its further utilization. In light of this, we have proposed a method for preparing a self-supported Pt-Ni(OH) 2 catalyst-(Pt-Ni(OH) 2 /NF). Specifically, by employing NaBH 4 pretreatment on nickel species to form NiB and Ni 2 B an intermediate, a significant improvement in catalytic performance has been achieved, especially at high current density. The replacement reaction of nickel boride with H 2 PtCl 6 generates rigid strain, leading to the Ni(OH) 2 lattice shrinkage. Upon testing, this catalyst requires only a minimal overpotential of 3 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm -2 , and it achieved an industrial current of 500 mA cm -2 with only 94 mV overpotential. Moreover, even after a 7-day longevity test at 200 mA cm -2 , it still maintained excellent performance. A highly efficient Pt-Ni(OH) 2 /NF catalyst for HER was synthesized by pretreating Ni with NaBH 4 to optimize its electronic structure. This pretreatment promoted the interaction with Pt, leading to Ni(OH) 2 lattice contraction. This synergistic effect enabled Pt to act as the primary active site, with Ni providing supporting role, resulting in a current density of 500 mA cm -2 with only 172 mV overpotential and 7-day stability. • Pt-Ni(OH) 2 on nickel foam boosts hydrogen production at high current densities. • Lattice contraction in Ni(OH) 2 due to Pt improves HER activity. • Low overpotentials of 172 mV@500 mA cm -2 • Good stability of maintaining performance at 7-day test.