Laser Synthesis of PtMo Single‐Atom Alloy Electrode for Ultralow Voltage Hydrogen Generation

Abstract

AbstractMaximizing atom‐utilization efficiency and high current stability are crucial for the platinum (Pt)‐based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, the Pt single‐atom anchored molybdenum (Mo) foil (Pt‐SA/Mo‐L) as a single‐atom alloy electrode is synthesized by the laser ablation strategy. The local thermal effect with fast rising–cooling rate of laser can achieve the single‐atom distribution of the precious metals (e.g., Pt, Rh, Ir, and Ru) onto the Mo foil. The synthesized self‐standing Pt‐SA/Mo‐L electrode exhibits splendid catalytic activity (31 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and high‐current‐density stability (≈850 mA cm−2 for 50 h) for HER in acidic media. The strong coordination of Pt‐Mo bonding in Pt‐SA/Mo‐L is critical for the efficient and stable HER. In addition, the ultralow electrolytic voltage of 0.598 V to afford the current density of 50 mA cm−2 is realized by utilization of the anodic molybdenum oxidation instead of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here a universal synthetic strategy of single‐atom alloys (PtMo, RhMo, IrMo, and RuMo) as self‐standing electrodes is provided for ultralow voltage and membrane‐free hydrogen production.