Abstract

Efficient earth-abundant electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for realizing cost-effective hydrogen production as a renewable energy source. Herein, we report highly enhanced HER activity of Ni nanoparticles (NPs) on TiO2 nanopyramid arrays (NPAs). The (001) facets exposed on TiO2 NPAs provide strong adsorption sites for Ni NPs, and the charge redistribution between Ni NPs and TiO2 tunes the adsorption energy of HER intermediates, optimizing HER activity as manifested by low overpotential of 88 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope of 78 mV dec-1. The modification of the Ni/TiO2 NPAs with nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dot layer forms an active interface of Ni-N-C bonds, which enhances the stability and activates the Ni NPs on inactive {110} facets to further lower the overpotential to 65 mV at 10 mA cm−2. This work provides a new insight into rational design of non-noble metal electrocatalysts for highly promoted hydrogen production.

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