Direct Observation of Yolk-Shell Transforming to Gold Single Atoms and Clusters with Superior Oxygen Evolution Reaction Efficiency

Cai, Chao; Han, Shaobo; Wang, Qi; Gu, Meng

2019-08

10.1021/acsnano.9b02135

ACS Nano   影响因子和分区

1936-0851

1936-086X

Noble metal particles and atoms tend not to react with other media even at elevated temperatures due to their inert nature. Herein, we report surprising findings of Au diffusion and dissolution in a Ni2P matrix, forming single Au atoms and tiny clusters. The dynamic atomic diffusion process was directly probed by in situ heating scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The Au yolks can diffuse and dissolve completely into the Ni2P shell at temperatures of 350 degrees C or higher, resulting in an inward volume expansion of the Ni2P shell and formation of single Au atoms and tiny Au clusters in Ni2P. The resulting structure exhibited outstanding oxygen evolution reaction (OER) efficiency that is 16-fold that of commercial IrO2. The in situ STEM finding explains its drastically improved catalytic performance after annealing, confirming Au single atoms and clusters on a Ni2P surface as active OER sites. Our finding emphasizes the role of dynamic structural changes during simple heat treatment to enhance catalysis efficiency.

electrocatalyst nickel phosphides single-atom catalyst yolk-shell OER

SCI ; EI

英语

NI期刊

第一 ; 通讯

Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Energy Materials for Electric Power[2018B030322001]

Chemistry ; Science & Technology - Other Topics ; Materials Science

Chemistry, Multidisciplinary ; Chemistry, Physical ; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology ; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

WOS:000484077800036

AMER CHEMICAL SOC

20193307322596

Atoms ; Efficiency ; Electrocatalysts ; High resolution transmission electron microscopy ; Nickel compounds ; Oxygen ; Phosphorus compounds ; Scanning electron microscopy ; Shells (structures)

Structural Members and Shapes:408.2 ; Precious Metals:547.1 ; Optical Devices and Systems:741.3 ; Chemical Agents and Basic Industrial Chemicals:803 ; Chemical Products Generally:804 ; Production Engineering:913.1 ; Atomic and Molecular Physics:931.3

Web of Science

Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Dept Mat Sci & Engn, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, Peoples R China

Cai, Chao,Han, Shaobo,Wang, Qi,et al. Direct Observation of Yolk-Shell Transforming to Gold Single Atoms and Clusters with Superior Oxygen Evolution Reaction Efficiency[J]. ACS Nano,2019,13(8):8865-8871.

Cai, Chao,Han, Shaobo,Wang, Qi,&Gu, Meng.(2019).Direct Observation of Yolk-Shell Transforming to Gold Single Atoms and Clusters with Superior Oxygen Evolution Reaction Efficiency.ACS Nano,13(8),8865-8871.

Cai, Chao,et al."Direct Observation of Yolk-Shell Transforming to Gold Single Atoms and Clusters with Superior Oxygen Evolution Reaction Efficiency".ACS Nano 13.8(2019):8865-8871.