2021/03/19 by Johannes Novak Hansen, Hèctor Prats, Karl Krøjer Toudahl +4 · 5 citations
Chemistry · Energy · Engineering · #Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion #Electrochemical Analysis and Applications #Fuel Cells and Related Materials
paper · doi:10.1021/acsenergylett.1c00246
openalex publication_date 2021/03/19 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The search for cheap and abundant alternatives to Pt for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has led to many efforts to develop new catalysts. Although the discovery of promising catalysts is often reported, none can compete with Pt in intrinsic activity. To enable true progress, a rigorous assessment of intrinsic catalytic activity is needed, in addition to minimizing mass-transport limitations and following best practices for measurements. Herein, we underline the importance of measuring intrinsic catalytic activities, e.g., turnover frequencies (TOFs). Using mass-selected, identical Pt nanoparticles at a range of loadings, we show the pervasive impact of mass-transport limitations on the observed activity of Pt in acid. We present the highest TOF measured for Pt at room temperature. Since our measurements are still limited by mass transport, the true intrinsic HER activity for Pt in acid is still unknown. Using a numerical diffusion model, we suggest that hysteresis in cyclic voltammograms arises from H 2 oversaturation, which is another indicator of mass-transport limitations.