Unlocking Proton Adsorption Dynamics for Enhanced Green Hydrogen Production
Key Ideas
  • Researchers at INST Mohali have uncovered key insights into proton adsorption dynamics in catalyst heterostructures to enhance green hydrogen production.
  • The study focuses on leveraging the built-in electric fields and Gibbs free energy profiles for optimizing hydrogen production through electrocatalysts.
  • CuWO4-CuO heterostructure demonstrates 'negative cooperativity,' improving hydrogen adsorption and desorption for efficient hydrogen evolution.
  • The interplay between built-in electric fields and Gibbs free energy in the catalyst establishes a favorable regime promoting efficient hydrogen bonding and evolution.
Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have made significant advancements in understanding proton adsorption dynamics in catalyst heterostructures to boost green hydrogen production. By studying the effect of built-in electric fields (BIEFs) and Gibbs free energy profiles, they aim to optimize the production of green hydrogen through tailored electrocatalysts. The research highlights the potential of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) based p-n heterojunctions, specifically the CuWO4-CuO heterostructure, in enhancing hydrogen evolution. The study reveals that the difference in work functions between materials drives charge redistribution, leading to enhanced proton adsorption/desorption dynamics. By analyzing the Gibbs free energy profiles, researchers found that near the depletion region and along the interface, proton adsorption energy exhibits unique behavior, influencing the overall hydrogen adsorption and desorption. The study showcases 'negative cooperativity' within the CuO-CuWO4 catalyst, where the binding of one molecule decreases the affinity of other binding sites, promoting efficient hydrogen evolution by enhancing desorption. The interplay between BIEFs and Gibbs free energy in the catalyst creates an optimal environment for hydrogen bonding, ultimately facilitating alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction. This research sheds light on novel strategies for improving hydrogen production efficiency, offering promising insights for the future of green energy.
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