Tunable intrinsic strain in two-dimensional transition metal electrocatalysts

Harnessing self-tuned strain Strain can modify the electronic properties of a metal and has provided a method for enhancing electrocatalytic activity. For practical catalysts, nanomaterials with high surface areas are needed. However, for nanoparticles, strain is often induced with overlayers (adsorbates or heteroatoms) that can undergo reconstruction during operation that releases the induced strain. Wang et al. show that freestanding palladium nanosheets (three to five monolayers thick) form with an internal compressive strain of 1 to 2% and can be much more active for both the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions under alkaline conditions compared with nanoparticles. Science , this issue p. 870

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: CBET 1159240, DMR-1420620, and DMR- 1506535., CBET-1437219
• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy

  Awards: DE-SC0010379, E-AC02-06CH11357, DE-EE0007270