Modulating Hydrogen Adsorption via Charge Transfer at the Semiconductor–Metal Heterointerface for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Author(s)

  • Yuhang Liu
  • Jie Ding
  • Fuhua Li
  • Xiaozhi Su
  • Qitao Zhang
  • Guangjian Guan
  • Fangxin Hu
  • Jincheng Zhang
  • Qilun Wang
  • Yucheng Jiang
  • Hong Bin Yang

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Article number2207114
Journal / PublicationAdvanced Materials
Volume35
Issue number1
Online published7 Oct 2022
Publication statusPublished - 5 Jan 2023
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

Designing and synthesizing highly efficient and stable electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is important for realizing the hydrogen economy. Tuning the electronic structure of the electrocatalysts is essential to achieve optimal HER activity, and interfacial engineering is an effective strategy to induce electron transfer in a heterostructure interface to optimize HER kinetics. In this study, ultrafine RhP2/Rh nanoparticles are synthesized with a well-defined semiconductor–metal heterointerface embedded in N,P co-doped graphene (RhP2/Rh@NPG) via a one-step pyrolysis. RhP2/Rh@NPG exhibits outstanding HER performances under all pH conditions. Electrochemical characterization and first principles density functional theory calculations reveal that the RhP2/Rh heterointerface induces electron transfer from metallic Rh to semiconductive RhP2, which increases the electron density on the Rh atoms in RhP2 and weakens the hydrogen adsorption on RhP2, thereby accelerating the HER kinetics. Moreover, the interfacial electron transfer activates the dual-site synergistic effect of Rh and P of RhP2 in neutral and alkaline environments, thereby promoting reorganization of interfacial water molecules for faster HER kinetics. © 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.

Research Area(s)

  • heterointerfaces, hydrogen evolution reaction, interfacial electron transfer, water dissociation

Citation Format(s)

Modulating Hydrogen Adsorption via Charge Transfer at the Semiconductor–Metal Heterointerface for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis. / Liu, Yuhang; Ding, Jie; Li, Fuhua et al.
In: Advanced Materials, Vol. 35, No. 1, 2207114, 05.01.2023.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review