LAUSR

Abstract The N-enriched carbon matrix (NCS) exerts an important role in HER process. Yet, the quantitative research of such co-catalyst is quite limited, which definitely deserves our deeply investigation. Herein, we report the Pt nanoparticles embedded in N-enriched carbon matrix (Pt-NCS) with low Pt loading, which as a HER electrocatalyst in acidic electrolyte. Notably, the electrochemical tests show that the optimal Pt-NCS exhibits the low overpotential of 22.0 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, which is lower thant that of Pt-carbon matrix (Pt-CS) (41.0 mV) and 20 wt% Pt/C (27.0 mV). It is worth noting that the addition of g-C3N4 into Pt-CS enhanced the exchange current density and a turnover frequency by 7.98 and 8.12 folds, respectively. The remarkable performance of these catalysts was evaluated with synergistic factors, which may be up to 5.55 for the optimal catalyst. More significantly, the optimal Pt-NCS also displays good stability and offers a superior performance in PEMWE. The outstanding HER performance may be attributed to the N-enriched carbon matrix, which supply large electrochemically active surface area and fast charge transfer. This research provides an effective strategy to prepare highly efficient and stable catalysts for electrochemical catalysis.