A nano AuTiO2−x composite with electrochemical characteristics of under-potential deposition of H (H-UPD) as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution.

An obvious H-UPD for a nano AuTiO2−x composite has been found for the first time in terms of the electrochemical characteristics of the Au composite. The electronic effect between Au and TiO2 and the oxygen vacancy defect would change the adsorption energy of H and HER activity. The HER activity of the AuTiO2−x electrode is 6.44 times that of the Au electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]