Atomic size mismatch induced consecutive compressive strain on
intermetallic compound towards boosted hydrogen evolution
Abstract
Modulating lattice strain in intermetallic compounds could effectively
alter their electronic structure and binding energy, thus impacting
catalytic activity. Strain is usually induced through lattice mismatch,
achieved by constructing core-shell nanostructures or metal-substrate
interfaces with complex reciprocity and distractors. However, in situ
induced strain without interface-construction or lattice mismatch
presents challenges. In this study, we precisely manipulate consecutive
compressive strain from -0.5% to -0.8% in CoPt 3Pd
intermetallic compound by inducing interior atomic radius mismatch.
Precise strain control results in a negative shift of d-band center,
dynamic charge distribution, and facilitates water dissociation, leading
to the enhanced electrocatalytic activity. The CoPt 3Pd
catalyst with -0.5% compressive strain exhibits exceptional hydrogen
evolution activity, with an overpotential of 169 mV at 1 A cm
-2. Our approach offers a straightforward method to
manipulate compressive strain on intermetallic compound by atomic size
mismatch, with broad implications for catalytic processes.