Cerium-silica mixed oxides as non-platinum electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction

Research on non-platinum electrocatalysts, such as transition metal oxides, has grown significantly over the past few years due to their potential for efficient, sustainable hydrogen production. This work evaluates ceria/silica mixed metal oxides (CeO 2 : SiO 2 ) as effective non-platinum electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution in an acidic medium. CeO 2 :SiO 2 composites (ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1) were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic, microscopic and electrochemical techniques. Among the tested electrocatalysts, CeO 2 : SiO 2 (2:1) exhibited the best HER activity, having a current density of −10 mA/cm² at −0.545 V vs. RHE, an electrochemical surface area (ECSA) of 100 cm², and a turnover frequency (TOF) of −0.0020 s⁻¹ . This performance results from efficient electron exchange with hydrogen ions and numerous active sites on the surface of the electrocatalysts. Additionally, this catalyst showed greater stability compared to others, making it a promising option for industrial hydrogen production in the near future.