Dynamic Electrodes Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Performance of Two-Dimensional Materials

Abstract

Hydrogen energy, known for its elevated combustion enthalpy and the generation of clean water upon combustion, represents a clean energy source with valuable potential applications. Water electrolysis for hydrogen production has emerged as an effective and environmentally friendly green hydrogen synthesis methodology. However, the conventional process of water electrolysis is typically performed under constant current or constant potential conditions, resulting in less-than-ideal hydrogen production rates due to limitations in mass transport. The adjustment of the catalyst interface and enhancement of mass transfer are achievable with dynamic electrodes. Herein, the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance using MoS₂ as a model catalyst with dynamic electrodes was investigated. The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance of MoS₂ can be enhanced by using dynamic electrodes, achieving a maximum increase of 240% in the hydrogen production rate. Improved electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution can be observed when employing other two-dimensional materials as dynamic electrodes, including Pt-MoS₂ and Mo₂C. Pt-MoS₂ demonstrates the most significant enhancement in the hydrogen evolution rate (400% enhancement). Through mechanistic analysis, the essence of enhancing electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution lies in the bubbles effective separation and varied electrochemical double layer to facilitate mass transport. This work provides an effective method for enhancing the water electrolysis activity using the dynamic electrode.