Ligand-induced surface functionalization in Ag2S nanocrystals for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic media
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) have gained attention as electrocatalysts due to their tunable surfaces and compositions . However, the presence of surface ligands on NCs has been considered detrimental to their electrocatalytic performance. Here we demonstrate that ligand-derived surface functionalization in Ag 2 S NCs can significantly enhance the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity. We synthesized Ag 2 S NCs capped with either 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) or oleylamine (OLA) as surface ligands. The MPA-functionalized NCs exhibited strong hydrophilicity and higher HER activity. In contrast, the OLA-functionalized NCs showed hydrophobicity with lower HER activity. Density functional theory calculations supported the favorable HER activity of the MPA-functionalized NCs due to their relatively lower Gibbs free energy . Proton exchange membrane electrolysis cells employing the MPA-functionalized Ag 2 S NCs exhibited stable operation for 24 h at −200 mA/cm 2 with >95 % Faradaic efficiency. This suggests the importance of surface functionalization in catalytic performance of nanocatalysts.
Source: Materials Today Energy
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,720
OpenAlex ID: W4405175583