Work

Experimental and theoretical evaluation of Bridgman-grown AgSbSe2 crystals for overall water splitting: Linking structure, surface chemistry, and electronic properties

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Sustained hydrogen generation attained through electrochemical water splitting requires the development of highly active and economically viable catalysts, since conventional options such as Pt (for HER) and RuO₂ (for OER) are costly and limit large-scale deployment. In this work, we present the synthesis of AgSbSe₂ single crystals prepared via the Bridgman–Stockbarger technique. The as-grown material exhibits excellent catalytic activity toward both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions in 1.0 M KOH, reaching potentials of –0.15 V for HER and 1 .39V for OER vs. RHE at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻². Furthermore, durability assessments under accelerated degradation testing in an alkaline environment revealed stable operation for 24 h at a constant current density of –200 mA cm⁻², with corresponding steady potentials of –1.57 V vs. RHE and 0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The density of states (DOS) and band structure revealed a prominent DOS close to the Fermi level could greatly provide more available states for rapid electron transfer, enhancing HER and OER rates. The grown crystal sustained a current density of 400 mA cm −2 for 24 h in an accelerated degradation test, exhibiting a minimal loss after the testing period. The linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) characteristics indicate that the onset voltage and current density at a fixed potential remained almost unchanged retaining both voltage and current density characteristics after long-term testing. These findings suggest that the Bridgman grown AgSbSe 2 crystal demonstrates promising stability and sustained efficiency as a catalyst for overall water splitting, even at high operational demands.

Source: Materials Today Communications

DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2026.116167