Edge-Rich Reduced Graphene Oxide Embedded in Silica-Based Laminated Ceramic Composites for Efficient and Robust Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Exploring PtAg onto silanized biogenic silica as an electrocatalyst for H2 evolution: A combined experimental and theoretical investigation

The task of creating a remarkably stable and effective electrochemical catalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution is arduous, primarily due to the multitude of factors that need to be taken into account for the industrial utilization of Pt. In this work, hybrid formation through in-situ reduction of Pt onto biogenic porous silica (Pt-SiO2) is tested for its use as an efficient catalyst for hydrogen production. Exceptionally high electrocatalytic activity and excellent reusability of catalysts up to 200 cycles have been demonstrated. Pt-SiO2 with low Pt content of 0.48 to 0.82 at% with active catalytic sites exhibit superior catalytic activity with a Tafel slope of 22 mV dec-1 and an overpotential of 28 mV (vs. RHE at 10 mA cm-2) as compared to the Pt wire and previously reported bare Pt-SiO2 (0.65 at% and 0.48 at% of Pt), and hybrid (Pt/Ag) structures formed onto two different biogenic porous SiO2 substrates. The best catalytic performance of the Pt1Ag3 cluster, representing a low Pt concentration, has been validated by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Here, the high production from the Pt1Ag3 cluster is assigned to the mutual synergistic effect between Pt/Ag atoms. The Pt atoms transfer the excess charge to the nearest Ag neighbors inside the cluster, facilitating hydrogen diffusion on the activated sites. These important findings authenticate the superior hydrogen production at reduced Pt concentration on amine-functionalized biogenic porous silica.

Next-Generation Green Hydrogen: Progress and Perspective from Electricity, Catalyst to Electrolyte in Electrocatalytic Water Splitting

Green hydrogen from electrolysis of water has attracted widespread attention as a renewable power source. Among several hydrogen production methods, it has become the most promising technology. However, there is no large-scale renewable hydrogen production system currently that can compete with conventional fossil fuel hydrogen production. Renewable energy electrocatalytic water splitting is an ideal production technology with environmental cleanliness protection and good hydrogen purity, which meet the requirements of future development. This review summarizes and introduces the current status of hydrogen production by water splitting from three aspects: electricity, catalyst and electrolyte. In particular, the present situation and the latest progress of the key sources of power, catalytic materials and electrolyzers for electrocatalytic water splitting are introduced. Finally, the problems of hydrogen generation from electrolytic water splitting and directions of next-generation green hydrogen in the future are discussed and outlooked. It is expected that this review will have an important impact on the field of hydrogen production from water.

Recent advances in precursor-derived ceramics integrated with two-dimensional materials

This review focused on the recent advances in precursor-derived ceramics integrated with two-dimensional materials. Their fabrication methods, structures and applications were discussed in detail and the perspectives in this field were presented.