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Fabrication of a Robust PEM Water Electrolyzer Based on Non‐Noble Metal Cathode Catalyst: [Mo 3 S 13 ] 2− Clusters Anchored to N‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes
Author(s) -
Holzapfel Peter K. R.,
Bühler Melanie,
EscaleraLópez Daniel,
Bierling Markus,
Speck Florian D.,
Mayrhofer Karl J. J.,
Cherevko Serhiy,
Pham Chuyen V.,
Thiele Simon
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
small
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.785
H-Index - 236
eISSN - 1613-6829
pISSN - 1613-6810
DOI - 10.1002/smll.202003161
Subject(s) - materials science , cathode , catalysis , electrolysis , noble metal , carbon nanotube , fabrication , carbon fibers , electrolysis of water , doping , platinum , chemical engineering , inorganic chemistry , proton exchange membrane fuel cell , metal , nanotechnology , chemistry , electrode , organic chemistry , metallurgy , composite material , optoelectronics , engineering , electrolyte , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology , composite number
Abstract High investment costs and a dependence on noble metal catalysts currently obstruct the large‐scale implementation of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) for converting fluctuating green electricity into chemical energy via water splitting. In this context, this work presents a high‐performing and stable non‐noble metal catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), consisting of [Mo 3 S 13 ] 2− clusters supported on nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs). Strikingly, a significant electrochemically induced activation of the Mo 3 S 13 ‐NCNT catalyst at high current densities is observed in full cell configuration, enabling a remarkable current density of 4 A cm −2 at a cell voltage of 2.36 V. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the highest reported value to date for a PEMWE full cell using a non‐noble metal HER catalyst. Furthermore, only a minor degradation of 83 µV h −1 is observed during a stability test of 100 h constant current at 1 A cm −2 , with a nearly unchanged polarization behavior after the current hold. Catalyst stability and activity are additionally analyzed via online dissolution measurements. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy examination of the catalyst before and after electrochemical application reveals a correlation between the electrochemical activation occurring via electrodissolution with changes in the molecular structure of the Mo 3 S 13 ‐NCNT catalyst.