Facilitating alkaline hydrogen evolution kinetics via interfacial modulation of hydrogen-bond networks by porous amine cages

The electrode-electrolyte interface is pivotal in the electrochemical kinetics. However, modulating the electrochemical interface at the atomic or molecular level is challenging due to the lack of efficient interfacial regulators. Here, we employ a porous amine cage as an interfacial modifier to Pt cluster in a confining configuration, largely enhancing alkaline HER kinetics by facilitating charge transfer. In situ electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectra, in combination with the ab initio molecular dynamics simulation, elucidates that the interaction between water and the -NH- moiety of cage frame softens the H-bonds net of interfacial water, making it more flexible for charge transfer. Moreover, our…

• SS
  Salt Science Research Foundation

  Award: BL14W1
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 52120105002, 52202198
• KO
  Knut och Alice Wallenbergs Stiftelse

  Award: KAW 2022.0194
• SU
  Stockholms Universitet

  Awards: SU FV-2.1.1-005, FV-2.1.1-005
• FF
  Fellowships for Young International Scientists

  Award: YSBR-004