Fabrication of platinum thin films for ultra-high electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

While the noble metals (e.g., platinum, (Pt)) remain the benchmark electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), their mass production require a reduced metal loading and faster fabrication protocols. The aim of the present work is to prepare Pt thin films by simple and fast fabrication technique, and to evaluate their performance for HER. The thin films of Pt are grown on two substrates, namely titanium foil (Ti) and nickel foam (NF), using a single step aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) method. The film deposition time are varied from 20 to 60 min. Microscopic analyses suggest a gradual evolution of the films into percolated and/or porous nanostructures, a feature that remains highly desired to allow the maximum access of active sites. The performance of the as-prepared electrodes is evaluated by monitoring the HER in acidic electrolyte. The Pt film on nickel foam (Pt/NF) exhibits better electrical conductivity and smaller charge transfer resistance, while the film deposited on the Ti foil (Pt/Ti) demonstrates superior catalytic activity per active sites. The as-prepared Pt/Ti and Pt/NF electrodes produce 10 mA cm⁻² at overpotential of 28 mV and 26 mV, respectively, better in performance than commercial Pt/C electrode (~39 mV), set a new bench mark electrocatalyst for the HER.