This work demonstrates a novel Pt/ BP electrocatalyst with ultralow Pt loading and exceptional dispersion, achieving superior HER performance through strong Pt-P electronic interactions, significantly outperforming commercial Pt/C in mass activity and cost efficiency.

Abstract

Developing efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for sustainable hydrogen production. This study presents a novel Pt/black phosphorus (BP) composite catalyst, synthesized via a room-temperature liquid-phase reduction method, which achieves high Pt dispersion and low Pt loading (0.5–2.0 wt.%). Characterization by TEM and XPS reveals strong Pt─P interactions and electron transfer between Pt nanoparticles and BP nanosheets, optimizing the hydrogen adsorption free energy and enhancing HER activity. Electrochemical tests in alkaline media demonstrate that the 1.0 wt.% Pt/BP catalyst exhibits exceptional performance, with an overpotential of 16 mV at 10 mA mg⁻¹ and a Tafel slope of 70.5 mV dec⁻¹, outperforming commercial 20% Pt/C in terms of mass activity. The catalyst also shows remarkable stability, maintaining activity for over 10 h. This work highlights the potential of BP as a superior support for low-loading Pt catalysts, offering a promising strategy for economically viable HER applications.