L-arginine-etched nickel-silver electrocatalyst for low-potential hydrogen evolution

• Published in: Applied catalysis. B, Environmental Vol. 354; p. 124093
• Main Authors: Zhang, Yan, Wu, Jindong, Zhu, Xinrui, Ren, Zhi, Chen, Jiean
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 05.10.2024
• Subjects: Bipolar hydrogen production; Formaldehyde oxidation; L-arginine modification; Low catalyst loading; Silver nanoparticles; Low catalyst loading; Formaldehyde oxidation; Bipolar hydrogen production; Silver nanoparticles; L-arginine modification
• ISSN: 0926-3373; 1873-3883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2024.124093

The oxidation of formaldehyde at low potentials to achieve anodic hydrogen production is a crucial focus of current research. Copper-based alloys are prominent electrocatalysts in these reactions but face long-term stability challenges and are susceptible to CO intermediate poisoning. A novel approach that utilizes L-arginine in the surface modification of nickel foam substrates has been developed, enabling the highly dispersed deposition of silver catalysts on the substrates as sub-nanometer particles. This modified electrocatalyst allows formaldehyde oxidation and water electrolysis at a minimal potential of 0.32 VRHE and bipolar hydrogen production with near 100% Faradaic efficiency. This surface modification of substrate material provides a new approach to the design of electrodes. [Display omitted] •Surface Modification of Nickel Foam for Enhanced Performance.•Low-Loading Ag Nanoparticle Catalyst.•Bipolar Hydrogen Production by Oxidation of Formaldehyde and Electrolysis of Water.•Mechanism of Ag0 Catalysis.