Edge-N-doped porous graphitic carbon as platinum-based catalyst support for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction

Graphitic carbons are commonly used as supports for electrocatalysts. However, due to their inherent lack of active sites and surface functional groups, graphitic carbon often causes significant aggregation and migration of Pt particles when used as a support for Pt/C catalysts, resulting in decreased activity and stability during the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) process. In this study, graphite was first etched with NaOH, followed by reaction with melamine to synthesize edge-N-doped porous graphitic carbon (NPGC) as a support for Pt-based catalysts. The porous structure and edge-N doping promote the dispersion and anchoring of Pt species, while also contributing to the reduction in Pt nanoparticle size. Consequently, the Pt/NPGC catalyst demonstrated a low overpotential of 43 mV at 10 mA·cm −2 , outperforming the unmodified Pt/GC (102 mV) and NaOH-etched Pt/PGC (49.7 mV), thus demonstrating superior HER activity. Additionally, the stability test results confirmed the exceptional stability of the Pt/NPGC catalyst. This study provides valuable insights into the design and fabrication of efficient graphitic carbon-supported Pt-based catalysts for potential applications in future hydrogen energy technologies.