Optimizing the Volmer Step by Single-Layer Nickel Hydroxide Nanosheets in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction of Platinum

Hydrogen is considered by many to be a promising energy currency, particularly for the transportation sector and for mobile devices. To realize a hydrogen-based fuel economy, hydrogen must be produced in an efficient and sustainable manner. In this article, single-layer nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH) 2 )-nanosheet-assisted Pt/C catalysis for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an alkaline environment was investigated. The HER activity trajectories of the hybrid catalysts in correlation with the composition and morphology of Ni(OH) 2 were explored in depth. By optimizing the Volmer step through addition of single-layer Ni(OH) 2 into Pt/C catalysis, this hybrid catalyst manifests a 110% increase of the HER activity by using only 20 wt % single-layer Ni(OH) 2 with a lithium ion additive as compared to the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the single-layer Ni(OH) 2 behaves superior in adsorption ability of OH – when compared with multilayer Ni(OH) 2 . The single-layer Ni(OH) 2 contributes to dual improvement on both the Volmer step and the adsorption of OH – during HER.