Laser Synthesis of PtMo Single-atom Alloy Electrode for Ultra-low Voltage Hydrogen Generation.

Maximizing atom-utilization efficiency and high current stability are crucial for the Pt-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, the Pt single-atom anchored molybdenum foil as a single-atom alloy electrode (Pt-SA/Mo-L) is synthesized by laser ablation strategy. The local thermal effect with fast rising-cooling rate of laser can achieve the single atom distribution of the precious metals (Pt, Rh, Ir and Ru) onto the Mo foil. The synthesized self-standing Pt-SA/Mo-L electrode exhibits splendid catalytic activity (31 mV at 10 mA cm -2 ) and high-current-density stability (∼850 mA cm -2 for 50 hours) for HER in acidic media. The strong coordination of Pt-Mo bonding in Pt-SA/Mo-L is critical for the efficient and stable HER. In addition, the ultra-low electrolytic voltage of 0.598 V to afford the current density of 50 mA cm -2 is realized by utilization of the anodic molybdenum oxidation instead of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This work provides a universal synthetic strategy of single-atom alloys (PtMo, RhMo, IrMo and RuMo) as self-standing electrodes for ultra-low voltage and membrane-free hydrogen production. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.