Open AccessTransition metal dichalcogenides as catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction: The emblematic case of “inert” ZrSe 2 as catalyst for electrolyzers
Author(s) -
Najafi Leyla,
Bellani Sebastiano,
Zappia Marilena I.,
Serri Michele,
OropesaNuñez Reinier,
Bagheri Ahmad,
Beydaghi Hossein,
Brescia Rosaria,
Pasquale Lea,
Shinde Dipak V.,
Zuo Yong,
Drago Filippo,
Mosina Kseniia,
Sofer Zdeněk,
Manna Liberato,
Bonaccorso Francesco
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
nano select
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2688-4011
DOI - 10.1002/nano.202100364
Subject(s) - catalysis , transition metal , water splitting , nanotechnology , hydrogen production , inert , hydrogen , materials science , electrolysis of water , noble metal , chemical engineering , chemistry , electrolysis , electrolyte , electrode , organic chemistry , photocatalysis , engineering
The development of earth‐abundant electrocatalysts (ECs) operating at high current densities in water splitting electrolyzers is pivotal for the widespread use of the current green hydrogen production plants. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have emerged as promising alternatives to the most efficient noble metal ECs, leading to a wealth of research. Some strategies based on material nanostructuring and hybridization, introduction of defects and chemical/physical modifications appeared as universal approaches to provide catalytic properties to TMDs, regardless of the specific material. In this work, we show that even a theoretically poorly catalytic (and poorly studied) TMD, namely zirconium diselenide (ZrSe 2 ), can act as an efficient EC for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) when exfoliated in the form of two‐dimensional (2D) few‐layer flakes. We critically show the difficulties of explaining the catalytic mechanisms of the resulting ECs in the presence of complex structural and chemical modifications, which are nevertheless evaluated extensively. By doing so, we also highlight the easiness of transforming 2D TMDs into effective HER‐ECs . To strengthen our message in practical environments, we report ZrSe 2 ‐based acidic (proton exchange membrane [PEM]) and alkaline water electrolyzers operating at 400 mA cm –2 at a voltage of 1.88 and 1.92 V, respectively, thus competing with commercial technologies.