Electrocatalytic performance of green synthesized nitrogen-doped carbon dots toward clean energy H2 generation

Non-metal carbonaceous and elemental doping are efficient methods for improving the electrocatalytic activity of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots were produced under various conditions and operate exceptionally well in an acidic environment. The results of the experiments show that nitrogen doping improved hydrogen adsorption and accelerated HER kinetics. It demonstrates higher performance with an overpotential of −0.268 V due to doping, which indirectly lowered electron-hole pair recombination as evidenced by time-constant estimation, as well as outstanding stability. This research will provide a viable platinum-free material that may be used as an effective electrocatalyst for the HER reaction.