ELECTRODEPOSITED PLATINUM THIN FILM AS A ROBUST AND HIGHLY EFFICIENT ELECTROCATALYST FOR HYDROGEN EVOLUTION REACTION

Abstract

In this study, we present a cost-effective platinum (Pt) thin-film electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media, prepared by electrodepositing a Pt layer onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis of films deposited at different potentials revealed a strong influence of the deposition potential on the Pt film microstructure. The optimized electrode, obtained at [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]V vs SCE, exhibited a high electroactive surface area and excellent catalytic activity. In 0.1[Formula: see text]M KOH, it required only 110[Formula: see text]mV overpotential to deliver 10[Formula: see text]mA/cm 2 and 318[Formula: see text]mV to reach 100[Formula: see text]mA/cm 2 , while maintaining long-term stability. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) further confirmed a markedly reduced charge-transfer resistance ([Formula: see text] and enhanced interfacial capacitance, accounting for the high current densities achieved.