Hydrogen evolution on Au(111) catalyzed by rhodium nanoislands

Abstract

Pronounced catalysis of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by rhodium nanoislands spontaneously deposited on Au(111) has been observed. Different Rh/Au(111) nanostructures were characterized ex situ by both height and phase imaging AFM. The most pronounced catalytic activity for HER in 0.5 M H2SO4 was obtained for 50% Rh coverage. This is ascribed to the suitable size of Rh nanoislands and to the electronic modification of Rh deposit by Au(111) substrate.