Synergism between Gradient Dilution Work Function and Janus Electronic State of Pt-CoPxBr1-x for Boosting Alkaline Seawater electrolysis

Abstract

Hydrogen spillover (HSo) effect of metal-supported electrocatalysts via electronic interactions can remarkably influence their performance in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). It needs electron-rich supporting metals to promote the adsorption/spillover of protons. But, this electron enrichment region on metals will make the HSo-HER course contradict the electron-donating oxygen evolution reaction (OER), particularly in protons-poor alkaline seawater electrolyte. Herein, we have demonstrated the gradient dilution work function (Φ) of Pt-CoPxBr1-x nanocone via introduction of Br and rich P vacancies, and the Pt atoms is confirmed with Janus electron-deficient and electron-rich states at the interface and tip regions by the lightning-rod effect, which promoting the HSo-HER and OER course. As a result, the Pt-CoPxBr1-x exhibits outstanding HER and OER activity in alkaline seawater solution, also displaying a low cell voltage. This work emphasizes that synergies between gradient regulation Φ and Janus electronic state as fundamental in rationalizing efficient metal-support alkaline seawater electrocatalysts.