Citation: Xiao Liu, Haiyan Pang, Xinrui Kou, Zheng Tang, Bing Cui, Shihong Cen, Yuechang Wei. Synergistic interaction of ternary Pd−Cu−Ni confined in nanoparticles as pH-universal catalysts for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(4): 111567. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.111567 shu

Synergistic interaction of ternary Pd−Cu−Ni confined in nanoparticles as pH-universal catalysts for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction

Xiao Liu ^{a, 1} ,
Haiyan Pang ^{b, 1} ,
Xinrui Kou ^b ,
Zheng Tang ^b ,
Bing Cui ^{c, *,} ,
Shihong Cen ^{a, *,} ,
Yuechang Wei ^{d, *,}

a.
Henan Province Engineering Technology Research Center of Water Environment and Health, College of Pharmacy and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology, Zhengzhou 451150, China
b.
Henan Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Molecular Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001, China
c.
Flavors and Fragrance Engineering & Technology Research Center of Henan Province, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
d.
State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China

bingcui@henau.edu.cn

Censhihong2008@163.com

weiyc@cup.edu.cn

Received Date: 28 February 2025
Revised Date: 9 May 2025
Accepted Date: 8 July 2025
Available Online: 9 July 2025

Figures(5)

The development of a high-performance pH-universal electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a vital step toward hydrogen economy but remains a major challenge. Herein, the Pd, Cu, and Ni three elements were confined in a nanoparticle via the microemulsion method. Morphology and structural analysis reveal that PdCuNi nanoparticles are nearly spherical in shape with slight aggregation, and are mainly composed of metallic Pd and Cu, as well as Ni oxide. The electrochemical tests show that PdCuNi exhibits favorable HER catalytic activity in acid (ŋ₁₀: 45 mV; Tafel slopes: 33 mV/dec) and neutral (ŋ₁₀: 71 mV; Tafel slopes: 87 mV/dec) media, and alkaline (ŋ₁₀: 66 mV; Tafel slopes: 116 mV/dec) media. The mechanism analysis implies that the synergistic effect of Pd, Cu, and Ni can improve the inherent conductivity of the catalyst and accelerate the charge transfer process. Furthermore, over 30 h long-term stability has been achieved without significant attenuation. This work provides a strategy for developing versatile and robust multimetallic catalysts towards pH-universal HER.
- Synergistic effect,
- pH-universal catalysts,
- Hydrogen evolution reaction,
- PdCuNi nanoparticles,
- Hydrogen economy
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