Poison-proofing platinum nanocatalysts with nitrogen for industrial-scale seawater splitting
摘要
Industrial-scale hydrogen production from seawater is a paramount goal for a sustainable energy future, yet it is severely hampered by the rapid deactivation of electrocatalysts under harsh operating conditions. Here, we introduce a robust self-supporting aerogel catalyst designed to address the two intertwined challenges of activity and stability in high-current-density seawater electrolysis. Our strategy involves creating strong metal-support interactions by anchoring ultrasmall platinum nanoparticles onto a porous N-doped carbon aerogel (Pt@N/CFP). Theoretical calculations reveal that this unique Pt-N interface serves a dual critical function: it not only lowers the kinetic barrier for water dissociation but also creates an electronic shield that effectively prevents chloride ion poisoning of the Pt active sites. When implemented as the cathode in a practical anion-exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer, the Pt@N/CFP catalyst demonstrates exceptional performance, achieving a low cell voltage of 1.688 V at an industrial-grade current density of 1000 mA cm−2 and maintaining outstanding stability for over 300 h. This work provides guidance for creating exceptionally durable catalysts capable of withstanding extreme electrochemical environments.