Induced fast charge transport and gas release using 3D ordered vertical carbon nanotubes for high-performance electrocatalysis

In the past decade, single-atom and nanocluster catalysts have emerged as promising materials for high efficiency electrocatalysis, while geometric morphologies and electronic properties of the supporting substrates dramatically affect the overall electrocatalytic performances. We have constructed highly oriented nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes on carbon cloth (V-CNTs/CC) and demonstrated it can serve as superior substrate for Pt nanoclusters that are typical electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions. Compared with Pt@CNTs/CC, the Pt@V-CNTs/CC has significantly improved electron transport and charge transfer efficiency, as well as gas diffusion capability, leading to excellent catalytic activity and stability. The V-CNTs/CC designed in this work can serve as general support for various single-atom or nanocluster catalysts for high-performance electrocatalysis.