Tuning Electron Transfer in Atomic-Scale Pt-Supported Catalysts for the Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction

Developing efficient atomic-scale metal-supported catalysts is of great significance for energy conversion technologies. However, the precise modulation of electron transfer between the metal and supporter in atomic-scale metal-supported catalysts to further improve the catalytic activity is still a major challenge. Herein, we show tunable electron transfer between atomic-scale Pt and tungsten nitride/oxide supports (namely, Pt/WN and Pt/W₁₈O₄₉). Pt/WN with modest electron exchange and Pt/W₁₈O₄₉ with aggressive electron exchange exhibit notably different catalytic activities for the alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), in which Pt/WN shows a 5.7-fold enhancement in HOR intrinsic catalytic performance in comparison to Pt/W₁₈O₄₉. Additionally, the tunable electronic transfer at the interface of Pt/WN and Pt/W₁₈O₄₉, as proven by the theoretical calculation, resulted in the discrepancy of the adsorption free energy of the reaction intermediates, as well as catalytic activity, for the HOR process. Our work provides new insights into the design of advanced atomic-scale metal-supported catalysts for electrocatalysis.