Tensile Strain on Pt(111) Boosts Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Kinetics in Acids

ACS Catalysis 2026

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Authors: Juhyun Cho, Sang Gu Ji, Jihoon Son, Mi Ji Kim, Jeonghyeon Kim, Saehyun Park, Yoon Gyeong Jo, Hyeyoung Shin, Chang Hyuck Choi, Sang‐Il Choi
DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.5c07270
Cited by: 6
References: 47

Abstract

The free energy of hydrogen adsorption (Δ G H ) is a key descriptor for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics in acids, although it is often limited in explaining facet- and strain-dependent catalytic activity. Here, we investigate the role of tensile strain on Pt(111) surfaces, focusing on the competitive adsorption between hydrogen and water. Combining computational and experimental studies, we demonstrate that tensile strain enhances hydrogen and water adsorption, resulting in the 1.3-fold enhancement in exchange current density compared to unstrained Pt(111). Our findings suggest that the Δ G H -based HER trends may not fully capture the influence of interfacial factors under structural deformation.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction Hydrogen Storage and Materials

Publication details

Journal / source
ACS Catalysis
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
16
Issue
6
Pages
5426–5431
Publication date
6 February 2026
Language
EN