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Rational design of precatalysts and controlled evolution of catalyst-electrolyte interface for efficient hydrogen production

Author

Listed:
  • Anquan Zhu

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Lulu Qiao

    (University of Macau)

  • Kai Liu

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Guoqiang Gan

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Chuhao Luan

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Dewu Lin

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Yin Zhou

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Shuyu Bu

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Tian Zhang

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Kunlun Liu

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Tianyi Song

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Heng Liu

    (Tohoku University)

  • Hao Li

    (Tohoku University)

  • Guo Hong

    (City University of Hong Kong
    City University of Hong Kong)

  • Wenjun Zhang

    (City University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

The concept of precatalyst is widely accepted in electrochemical water splitting, but the role of precatalyst activation and the resulted changes of electrolyte composition is often overlooked. Here, we elucidate the impact of potential-dependent changes for both precatalyst and electrolyte using Co2Mo3O8 as a model system. Potential-dependent reconstruction of Co2Mo3O8 precatalyst results in an electrochemically stable Co(OH)2@Co2Mo3O8 catalyst and additional Mo dissolved as MoO42− into electrolyte. The Co(OH)2/Co2Mo3O8 interface accelerates the Volmer reaction and negative potentials induced Mo2O72− (from MoO42−) further enhances proton adsorption and H2 desorption. Leveraging these insights, the well-designed MoO42−/Mo2O72− modified Co(OH)2@Co2Mo3O8 catalyst achieves a Faradaic efficiency of 99.9% and a yield of 1.85 mol h−1 at −0.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) for hydrogen generation. Moreover, it maintains stable over one month at approximately 100 mA cm−2, highlighting its industrial suitability. This work underscores the significance of understanding on precatalyst reconstruction and electrolyte evolution in catalyst design.

Suggested Citation

  • Anquan Zhu & Lulu Qiao & Kai Liu & Guoqiang Gan & Chuhao Luan & Dewu Lin & Yin Zhou & Shuyu Bu & Tian Zhang & Kunlun Liu & Tianyi Song & Heng Liu & Hao Li & Guo Hong & Wenjun Zhang, 2025. "Rational design of precatalysts and controlled evolution of catalyst-electrolyte interface for efficient hydrogen production," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57056-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57056-6
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