Cooperative coupling of microscopic enhanced electric field and macroscopic efficient bubble traffic for industrial hydrogen evolution

Abstract

The alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for industrial hydrogen generation is a promising way to achieve intermittent energy storage. However, challenges, such as the insufficient supply of adsorbed hydrogen atoms (*H) and slow bubble dynamics, hinder the development of industrial HER. Here, we report a cooperative strategy by leveraging both microscopic enhanced electric field and macroscopic efficient bubble traffic for industrial hydrogen evolution, demonstrated through the NiCoP nanotips on NiP nanorods (NiCoP-tip@NiP). Specifically, during the HER process, the nanotips can accumulate a large number of electrons, enhancing the electric field of the Stern layer. This enhanced electric field accelerates the dissociation of water, resulting in favorable *H for HER. Simultaneously, the confined space between the nanotips hinders the growth of bubbles generated at the tips. Newly formed bubbles will push out the existing bubbles, thus accelerating gas release. As a result, NiCoP-tip@NiP exhibits a low overpotential of 300 mV at 1000 mA cm−2 and maintains stable operation over 90 h at approximately 300 mA cm−2 during HER processes. This cooperative strategy provides profound insights for industrial hydrogen generation.