High-entropy materials (HEMs) represent a breakthrough in catalyst design, offering unprecedented synergy through strategic mixing of elements. This work demonstrates how the integration of nitrogen into NiFeCrRuMo HEMs films enables bifunctional electrocatalytic performance for water splitting. The precise control of the synthesis conditions allows the achievement of efficient and robust activity for both hydrogen evolution (η10=39 mV) and oxygen evolution (η10=190mV), with exceptional stability overprolonged operation (60- hour test). Through advanced characterization techniques including XPS, SEM-EDS, XRD, and electrochemical analysis, the key mechanism was unveiled: nitrogen plays a dual role by creating highly active catalytic sites while simultaneously anchoring metal atoms against dissolution in harsh environments. This approach demonstrates the potential of high-entropy materials for next-generation sustainable energy technologies and efficient green hydrogen production.
Engineering High-Entropy Materials: Nitrogen Integration for Advanced Bifunctional Water Electrolysis
Matteo Bordin;Sandro Zorzi;Gloria Gottardi;Giulia Di Gregorio;Matteo Testi;Luigi Crema
2026-01-01
Abstract
High-entropy materials (HEMs) represent a breakthrough in catalyst design, offering unprecedented synergy through strategic mixing of elements. This work demonstrates how the integration of nitrogen into NiFeCrRuMo HEMs films enables bifunctional electrocatalytic performance for water splitting. The precise control of the synthesis conditions allows the achievement of efficient and robust activity for both hydrogen evolution (η10=39 mV) and oxygen evolution (η10=190mV), with exceptional stability overprolonged operation (60- hour test). Through advanced characterization techniques including XPS, SEM-EDS, XRD, and electrochemical analysis, the key mechanism was unveiled: nitrogen plays a dual role by creating highly active catalytic sites while simultaneously anchoring metal atoms against dissolution in harsh environments. This approach demonstrates the potential of high-entropy materials for next-generation sustainable energy technologies and efficient green hydrogen production.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
