Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis Using Cobalt Nanotubes Decorated with Titanium Dioxide Nanodots

Abstract

TiO₂ Co nanotubes decorated with nanodots (TiO₂ NDs/Co NSNTs-CFs) are reported as high-performance earth-abundant electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline solution. TiO₂ NDs/Co NSNTs can promote water adsorption and optimize the free energy of hydrogen adsorption. More importantly, the absorbed water can be easily activated in the presence of the TiO₂ -Co hybrid structure. These advantages will significantly promote HER. TiO₂ NDs/Co NSNTs-CFs as electrocatalysts show a high catalytic performance towards HER in alkaline solution. This study will open up a new avenue for designing and fabricating low-cost high-performance HER catalysts.