Affiliation:
1. Institute of Organic Chemistry, Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry and Catalysis (LSusCat), Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU), Altenberger Straße 69, 4040 Linz, Austria
Abstract
The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has emerged as a focal point in the realm of sustainable energy generation, offering the potential to produce clean hydrogen gas (H2) devoid of pollutants. The pursuit of stable HER electrocatalysts that can reduce our reliance on precious platinum, while still maintaining a high level of catalytic efficiency, presents a significant and ongoing challenge. In this study, we introduce the utilization of a binuclear nickel (II) Schiff base complex known as [Ni]2[L]2 2 for the purpose of HER electrocatalysis. The rational design of this electrocatalyst has yielded optimal HER performance, wherein the strategic placement of electronegative heteroatoms in proximity to the metal centers serves to enhance proton affinity. Consequently, this catalyst manifests outstanding HER activity, characterized by a nearly 100% faradaic efficiency (FE) at an overpotential potential of −0.4 V versus the reverse hydrogen electrode (RHE), sustained catalytic activity over an extended 80 h electrolysis period, and a commendable turnover number (TON) of 0.0006 s−1.
Funder
Austrian Science Fund
Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG
European Union
Fulbright-Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation Award in Science and Technology
Subject
Physical and Theoretical Chemistry,Catalysis,General Environmental Science