Two-dimensional Bi nanosheets as an enhanced electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution is an exercisable way to achieve large-scale application of hydrogen energy. It is of great significance to develop an effect, stable, and cost-effective electrocatalyst. Here, we applied the two-dimensional (2D) bismuth (Bi) to the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution, and proposed the strategies to enhance the catalytic performance of the catalyst. Due to more active sites located along the edges of 2D structure, Bi nanosheets revealed a higher electrocatalytic activity (overpotential of −958 mV vs RHE at 10 mA cm−2, Tafel slope of 122 mV/dec) than the bulk counterpart. To further evaluate the electrocatalytic performance of Bi nanosheets, the typical parameters measured in different H+ concentration (C[H+]) are carried out. The improved catalytic activity obtained in 0.5 M H2SO4 is attributed to enhancing the hydrogen adsorption and accelerating the charge transport on the surface of catalyst. Moreover, the durability of Bi nanosheets has been texted, where the current is not evident fluctuation during the 40,000 s electrolysis measurement indicating its excellent stability. The present work expands the application of Bi in the catalysis and provides the simple strategies to improve its hydrogen evolution performance.