Electrochemically activated copper-based catalyst from a coordination polymer for stable hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

Noble metal catalysts are highly efficient for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), but their scarcity and cost limit their widespread use. Copper-based materials, which are abundant and inexpensive, offer a promising alternative. However, their intrinsic limitations, such as weak hydrogen adsorption and poor stability, often restrict their catalytic performance. This study introduces a novel strategy for synthesizing a highly stable HER catalyst through the electrochemical activation of a copper-based coordination polymer. The resulting composite material exhibits a unique structure with aligned Cu²⁺/Cu⁺/Cu⁰ active sites, which significantly enhances HER activity and long-term stability. The formation of these active sites is influenced by the sulfur-rich environment of the coordination polymers. This work provides valuable insights for developing efficient and sustainable HER catalysts using earth-abundant materials.