Nanomaterial with noble metal atoms on non-noble metal substrate, and methods of preparation and use thereof

Abstract

Nanomaterials and methods of preparation and use thereof, are disclosed. The nanomaterials include a non-noble metal substrate and noble metal atoms on a surface of the non-noble metal substrate. The noble metal atoms simultaneously coordinate with a halogen and oxygen. The substrate has a large specific surface area and a large electrochemical active area, and the surface coordination environment of the noble metal affects the electronic structure and catalytic activity of a resulting catalyst. The noble metal surface coordination structure may be regulated and controlled by a synthesis temperature, an alkalinity, a reaction time, and an electrodeposition voltage range. A hydroxide ion and the halogen coordinate with the noble metal, exhibiting an unsaturated pentacoordinate state. Doping the substrate with reducing metal ions may increase the loading capacity, anchor the noble metal atoms, and improve anodic oxygen evolution and cathodic hydrogen evolution in seawater electrolysis.