Electrochemical-oxidation-reduction-generated distorted nanotwins activate Cu for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution.

Abstract

The alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a critical process in the electrochemical production of hydrogen fuel from water, offering a promising route for energy storage. However, for practical applications, developing catalysts for the alkaline HER that simultaneously possess high activity, long-term durability, and economic feasibility remains a significant challenge. Herein, a Cu electrode featuring abundant distorted nanotwins was fabricated via electrochemical oxidation-reduction. It achieved a low overpotential (∼94 mV) and showed no degradation over 10 days of continuous operation for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction. Thus, a non-active Cu catalyst has been successfully transformed into a highly active electrode.