The facile oil-phase synthesis of a multi-site synergistic high-entropy alloy to promote the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction

Dan Zhang, Yue Shi, Huan Zhao, Wenjing Qi, Xilei Chen, Tianrong Zhan, Shaoxiang Li, Bo Yang, Mingzi Sun, Jianping Lai, Bolong Huang (Corresponding Author), Lei Wang

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

108 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Although intensive efforts have been made and great progress has been achieved relating to the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), an advanced synthesis strategy for an efficient electrocatalyst is still the most significant goal. In this paper, we introduce PdFeCoNiCu high-entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles as an efficient electrocatalyst for the HER, which has been prepared in an oil phase under facile conditions for the first time. PdFeCoNiCu/C shows excellent alkaline HER catalytic performance with an overpotential of only 18 mV and a Tafel slope of 39 mV dec-1. Meanwhile, we achieved the highest mass activity (6.51 A mgPd-1 at -0.07 V vs. RHE) in the alkaline HER among all non-Pt electrocatalysts. PdFeCoNiCu/C also shows surprisingly stable catalytic properties for over 15 days without notable decay. Based on theoretical calculations, the HEA surface demonstrates the optimization of electronic structures based on a synergistic effect between all metals. Pd and Co are confirmed to be the dominant electroactive sites for both H2 formation and initial water splitting, which are assisted by Ni, Fe, and Cu promotion, enhancing electron transfer and optimizing the binding energies of hydrogen intermediates. This work has supplied significant insight into the design of an efficient electrocatalyst based on HEA materials.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)889-893
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A
Volume9
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Jan 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • General Materials Science

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