Fine-tuning the reactions that produce hydrogen (H2) for use as a clean fuel is an important endeavour to fight against climate change. Researchers at Tohoku University and the Tokyo University of Science have succeeded in improving the catalytic activity for this reaction. The researchers established a synthesis method that can control the surface structure of small metal particles with a diameter of about 1 nm.
The results were published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society on October 25, 2024.

Synthetic conditions and geometric structures of (a) [Au24Pt(TBBT)18]0, (b) [Au24Pt(TBBT)12(TDT)3]0 and (c) [Au24Pt(TBBT)12(PDT)3]0. ©Yuichi Negishi et al.
In order to make hydrogen fuels a more viable, affordable option, researchers looked at cheaper metals. They created an aggregate metal nanocluster (NC) combining gold (Au) with platinum (Pt) to achieve this. Since gold is not nearly as rare or costly as platinum, this combination lowers the price of producing hydrogen.

Detailed geometry of (a) [Au24Pt(TBBT)18]0, (b) [Au24Pt(TBBT)12(TDT)3]0 and (c) [Au24Pt(TBBT)12(PDT)3]0 (SR ligands omitted). ©Yuichi Negishi et al.

(a) LSV curves and (b) comparison of mass activity at -0.35 V vs. RHE of [Au24Pt(TBBT)18]0, [Au24Pt(TBBT)12(TDT)3]0 and [Au24Pt(TBBT)12(PDT)3]0. ©Yuichi Negishi et al.
Upon testing their newly-generated AuPt NCs, they discovered that they achieved 3.5 and 4.9 times higher catalytic activity for the HER compared to conventional AuPt alloy catalysts.
This research has demonstrated a method to precisely control the surface structure of ultra-fine metal aggregates. It may also have alternative catalytic applications such as carbon dioxide reduction, carbon monoxide oxidation, alcohol oxidation, and oxygen reduction reactions. This finding may promote the development of new functional materials and move us closer to a world where we fill up with clean hydrogen instead of gasoline.
Publication Details
“Atomically Precise Au24Pt(thiolate)12(dithiolate)3 Nanoclusters with Excellent Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reactivity”
Miyu Sera, Sakiat Hossain, Sara Yoshikawa, Kana Takemae, Ayaka Ikeda, Tomoya Tanaka, Taiga Kosaka, Yoshiki Niihori, Tokuhisa Kawawaki, Yuichi Negishi
Journal of the American Chemical Society
DOI:10.1021/jacs.4c10868
Contact
Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials
Email: yuichi.negishi.a8[at]tohoku.ac.jp