Simple “Directional Trimming” Strategy Engineered Platinum Atomic Clusters with Controllable Coordination Numbers for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution

Fengkun Hao (Co-first Author), Jing Zhong (Co-first Author), Fengqian Hao (Co-first Author), Shaorou Ke, Yanghong Li, Zhengyi Mao, Yunhu He, Tengshijie Gao, Linlin Wang, Shuohan Li, Minghao Fang, Zhaohui Huang, Xiaoxue Chang, Ruiwen Shao*, Jian Lu*, Xin Min*

*Corresponding author for this work

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

Abstract

The coordination number (CN) in atomic cluster (AC) catalysts endows their catalytic performance with flexible tunability. However, the quantitative relationship between the CN and catalytic activity of atomic cluster catalysts remains ambiguity. Herein, inspired by the gardeners trimming plants branches to obtain ornamental value shape, we propose a “directional trimming” strategy to obtain a series of AC catalysts with wide range of Cl CN and establish an inverted volcano curve to explain the effect of CN on hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Moreover, Pt/CB-90 (moderate Cl CN of 3.7) exhibits the lowest overpotential of 22.94 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and outstanding mass activity (25 times to commercial Pt/C). This proposed synthesis strategy fully utilizes the precursor atoms and is widely applicable. The reaction liquid can be reused up to 20 times to obtain 1130 mg catalysts without introducing any other chemicals. Additionally, theoretical calculations highlight the appropriate Cl CN benefits the HER on Pt2 ACs. This fundamental understanding of the role of CN in catalytic activity offers valuable guidance to promote performance in various catalytic reactions. © 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere202504828
JournalAngewandte Chemie - International Edition
Online published25 Mar 2025
DOIs
Publication statusOnline published - 25 Mar 2025

Funding

The authors acknowledge the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 5217042069), the Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program by CAST (YESS20200103), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. 265QZ2022004), Guangdong Province Science and Technology Plan Project (No. 2023B1212120008), Open Project of Yunnan Precious Metals Laboratory Co., Ltd (No. YPML\u20102023050248), and Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Commission via the Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Center.

Research Keywords

  • Atomic clusters
  • Coordination number
  • Electrocatalysts
  • Engineering of coordination structure
  • Hydrogen evolution reaction

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