Ultralow‐Loading Ir Single Atoms Ligated by Multiple Bimetal Selenides in Spindle Heterostructures Derived From Porous Ni─Fe Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Efficient and Durable H 2 Production via Water Splitting

ABSTRACT Hydrogen (H 2 ), with the highest gravimetric energy density among chemical fuels, is a promising energy carrier, motivating the development of electrocatalysts for its efficient and durable production. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) maximize atomic utilization; however, their activity and stability are still limited by atom aggregation during electrolysis. Herein, we report ultralow‐loading Ir SACs (3.82 wt.%) ligated through multiple nickel selenide and iron selenide sites in porous spindle heterostructures (Ir‐NS/FS), derived from porous nickel–iron metal–organic frameworks through chemical vapor deposition of Ir and Se. Strong coordination between isolated Ir single atoms and NS/FS sites suppresses agglomeration while Se atoms serve as hydrogen‐trapping ( * H) sites for high catalytic activity. The high surface roughness and porosity of Ir‐NS/FS also provide a 3.6× higher electrochemically active surface area than RuO 2 , whereas its hydrophilicity improves electrolyte wetting and reaction kinetics. Consequently, the Ir‐NS/FS(+)//Ir‐NS/FS(−) water‐splitting electrolyzer, yielding H 2 production, exhibit superior performance with cell voltages lowered by up to 170 mV at 200 mA cm −2 compared to commercial RuO 2 (+)//Pt‐C(‐) benchmark. Additionally, Ir‐NS/FS(+)//Ir‐NS/FS(−) achieves stable voltages over continuous 5000 cycles. Density functional theory calculations reveal that Ir atoms act as the primary hydrogen‐evolution active sites, while the favorable formation energy of Ir–NS/FS ensures robust stability.

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Small
Published
2026-10-15
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.76278
Primary Topic
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
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article
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0.00

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article

Ultralow‐Loading Ir Single Atoms Ligated by Multiple Bimetal Selenides in Spindle Heterostructures Derived From Porous Ni─Fe Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Efficient and Durable H 2 Production via Water Splitting

Debarani Devi Khumujam, Ram Babu Ghising, Do Hwan Kim, Jeung Ku Kang et al.
Small
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
article

Ultralow‐Loading Ir Single Atoms Ligated by Multiple Bimetal Selenides in Spindle Heterostructures Derived From Porous Ni─Fe Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Efficient and Durable H 2 Production via Water Splitting

Debarani Devi Khumujam, Ram Babu Ghising, Do Hwan Kim, Jeung Ku Kang, Jong Hui Choi, Sidra Saleem, Dong Won Kim, Ji H. Kim
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Hydrogen (H 2 ), with the highest gravimetric energy density among chemical fuels, is a promising energy carrier, motivating the development of electrocatalysts for its efficient and durable production. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) maximize atomic utilization; however, their activity and stability are still limited by atom aggregation during electrolysis. Herein, we report ultralow‐loading Ir SACs (3.82 wt.%) ligated through multiple nickel selenide and iron selenide sites in porous spindle heterostructures (Ir‐NS/FS), derived from porous nickel–iron metal–organic frameworks through chemical vapor deposition of Ir and Se. Strong coordination between isolated Ir single atoms and NS/FS sites suppresses agglomeration while Se atoms serve as hydrogen‐trapping ( * H) sites for high catalytic activity. The high surface roughness and porosity of Ir‐NS/FS also provide a 3.6× higher electrochemically active surface area than RuO 2 , whereas its hydrophilicity improves electrolyte wetting and reaction kinetics. Consequently, the Ir‐NS/FS(+)//Ir‐NS/FS(−) water‐splitting electrolyzer, yielding H 2 production, exhibit superior performance with cell voltages lowered by up to 170 mV at 200 mA cm −2 compared to commercial RuO 2 (+)//Pt‐C(‐) benchmark. Additionally, Ir‐NS/FS(+)//Ir‐NS/FS(−) achieves stable voltages over continuous 5000 cycles. Density functional theory calculations reveal that Ir atoms act as the primary hydrogen‐evolution active sites, while the favorable formation energy of Ir–NS/FS ensures robust stability.

Small
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KR), Jeonju National University of Education (KR), New Generation University College (ET), Yeungnam University (KR), Jeonbuk National University (KR)
National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 35%
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
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