Abstract
Activated bio-based carbons produced from vine shoots (VSAC) and grape stalks (GSAC), which have larger surface area and total pore volume than most of the commercially available activated carbons, are used as supports for palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs). The prepared materials are characterised by elemental analysis, N2-sorption, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analysis and are then assessed as potential cathodes for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. The electrocatalysts’ performance for HER is evaluated from cathodic polarisation curves at different temperatures and compared to that of Vulcan XC72-supported Pd NPs. Additional chronoamperometry studies helped to assess the electrocatalysts’ activity stability. The novel VSAC-supported Pd electrocatalyst exhibits good HER activity in terms of high current density at low overpotentials, leading to the best performance.
Highlights
Due to the problems arising from the consumption of fossil fuels [1], alternative energy carriers inevitably have to become a part of the energy industry in the near future
When the electrolyte solution is alkaline, the electrolysis process can be summarised by Equations (1)–(3), where H2 is produced at the cathode and O2 is produced at the anode [5]
The activity towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of the three electrocatalysts in alkaline media was studied by linear scan voltammetry (LSV) and chronoamperometry (CA)
Summary
Due to the problems arising from the consumption of fossil fuels [1], alternative energy carriers inevitably have to become a part of the energy industry in the near future. Activity towards the HER (achieved by proper control of the reaction mechanism and kinetics) and stability are essential requirements of these electrocatalysts [8] In this context, platinum (Pt) is the most active and stable electrode material, but its limited supplies and exceptionally high cost pose restrictions for application in large-scale alkaline water electrolysers [9]. Platinum (Pt) is the most active and stable electrode material, but its limited supplies and exceptionally high cost pose restrictions for application in large-scale alkaline water electrolysers [9] Transition metals, their alloys, and compounds, namely, carbides, sulphides, nitrides, phosphides, selenides, and oxides, have been studied as alternative electrocatalysts for HER [10,11]. The activity towards the HER of the three electrocatalysts in alkaline media was studied by linear scan voltammetry (LSV) and chronoamperometry (CA)
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