Laser-induced strong metal-lunar basalt interaction for boosted hydrogen evolution

Abstract

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is essential for sustainable exploration of the moon. The surficial lunar basalts (LB) are the most likely primary feedstock in ISRU processes. In this work, we have developed an in-situ synthesis technology, laser scanning ablation, to synthesize LB-supported electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The laser-induced high-entropy spherical LB becomes convenient supports for hosting well-dispersed Pt species. Owing to the atomic rearrangement caused by the high-energy laser irradiation, strong physicochemical interactions between Pt species and LB are confirmed with the formation of Pt-O and Pt-Fe bonds. The tight cohesion endows Pt/LB faster charge-transfer rate and higher turnover frequency during HER. In both alkaline and acidic media, the Pt/LB catalyst possesses a near-zero onset overpotential and a low Tafel slope, superior to most Pt catalysts loaded on other supports. It is theoretically verified that Pt-Fe or Pt-O coordination can result in a smaller reaction barrier and a shorter diffusion time than pure Pt, thereby improving the catalytic activity of HER. The LSA method provides a simple and robust path to process LB in-situ as an excellent catalyst carrier while enabling the deposition of various metals on its surface for extended application in ISRU.